unbearable

adjective

un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈber-ə-bəl 

: not bearable : unendurable

unbearable pain

unbearably

ˌən-ˈber-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of unbearable

• intolerable
• intense
• extreme
• overwhelming
• unendurable
• terrible
• insufferable
• unacceptable
• harsh
• painful

Examples of unbearable in a Sentence

We were in an almost unbearable state of excitement.

this heat is unbearable—when are we going to get air-conditioning?

Recent Examples on the Web

More hot days ahead The heat index, a combination of regular temperature plus the humidity that makes South Florida summers so unbearable, has been high all week. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

Summer is inarguably tank top season given that soaring temperatures make the thought of having anything beyond a sliver of fabric feel unbearable. — Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

Turn Off Electronics While leaving a laptop, gaming console, TV, or phone charger plugged in won’t make your bedroom unbearable, these items can contribute to its warm temperature. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

Californians are rightly fed up with the state’s high taxes and unbearable cost of living. — Nolan Gray, Oc Register, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unbearable

• arable
• bearable
• parable
• terrible
• wearable
• repairable

Kids Definition

unbearable

adjective

un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈbar-ə-bəl 

ˈən-, 

-ˈber-

: greater than can be borne

unbearable pain

unbearably

-blē 

adverb