irresistible
Americanadjective
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not resistible; incapable of being resisted or withstood.
an irresistible impulse.
-
lovable, especially calling forth feelings of protective love.
an irresistible puppy.
-
enticing; tempting to possess.
an irresistible necklace.
noun
adjective
-
not able to be resisted or refused; overpowering
an irresistible impulse
-
very fascinating or alluring
an irresistible woman
Other Word Forms
- irresistibility noun
- irresistibleness noun
- irresistibly adverb
Etymology
Origin of irresistible
From the Medieval Latin word irresistibilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See ir- 2, resistible
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
South Koreans hailed their latest cultural product to infect the world with "K-syndrome" -- the irresistible surrender to the country's movies, music, books, fashion and cuisine.
From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026
Despite morale-sapping staff layoffs, bizarre executive orders and a 43-day federal government shutdown last fall, the grandeur and serenity of national parks in California remain irresistible to outdoors lovers looking to unwind.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026
Borderline too dark in the way that makes something irresistible.
From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026
That is what makes Valentine’s Day irresistible as an object of economic analysis.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026
The iceberg then slipped under its hull and lifted it with an irresistible force into shallower water.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
