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

But, just as her grief becomes unbearable, a jarring image intervenes. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026

The Kansas City home game was hot but not unbearable, which was also the case for the Cincinnati home game. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

The gloss also has menthol, which provides a minty cooling sensation and a slight plumping effect—but nothing too intense or unbearable. — Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026

Depending on your tolerance for grand aims and liturgical self-seriousness, her latest album may strike you as extraordinary or unbearable. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 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