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

Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe are fearless in Robert Eggers’s black-and-white nightmare about two people who learn that nothing is scarier than being trapped with someone unbearable. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2026

For nearly two months, families in Boyle Heights have lived with unbearable odors, flies and pests, truck traffic, uncertainty, and disruption to their homes, businesses, and daily lives. — City News Service, Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

An unbearable heat hangs over a world ravaged by climate change, where crime dominates everyday life. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Bowe said Nolan-O’Slatarra's family has endured both unbearable heartbreak and a grueling, year-long wait for answers. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 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