What does "overdamped" imply about a system's response?

In the context of system dynamics, "overdamped" refers to a situation where a system returns to equilibrium without oscillating, and the return to that equilibrium takes a longer time compared to a critically damped system. When a system is overdamped, the damping effect is strong enough to prevent any oscillation around the desired state, and the system moves towards stability in a gradual manner.

This is particularly important in control systems where minimizing overshoot and oscillation is desirable. Overdamped systems are less responsive than critically damped or underdamped systems but are stable and predictable, making them suitable for applications where smooth and controlled responses are crucial.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of an overdamped system. Oscillation, for example, would indicate a different state of damping (such as underdamped) rather than the smooth, slow approach to stability characterized by an overdamped response.