Why are intermolecular forces generally much weaker than bonding forces?

Intermolecular forces are developed between molecules when they become attached. Representative examples of intermolecular forces are the Van der Waals forces, the London interactions, and the dipole-based interactions. These interactions involve the movement of partially charged species.

On the other hand, bonding forces are a clearly electrostatic process where strong electric fields are induced. Moreover, electron transfer takes place in that type of reaction. For these two reasons, bonding forces are much stronger than intermolecular forces.