uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl 

1

: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable

a rush of uncontrollable emotions

2

archaic : free from control by a superior power : absolute

uncontrollability

ˌən-kən-ˌtrō-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

uncontrollably

ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of uncontrollable

• unmanageable
• stubborn
• ungovernable
• incontrollable
• intractable
• unruly
• rebellious
• wayward
• recalcitrant
• willful
• refractory
• out of hand
• headstrong
• difficult
• naughty

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes

Recent Examples on the Web

For a time the sea stars did double duty controlling the urchins, but in recent years they have been struck down by an uncontrollable plague, worsened by the state’s warming waters, called, quite literally, sea star wasting disease. — Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

While some stress factors are uncontrollable, workplace stress directly hurts productivity. — Jon Lowe, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Another component of Watkins’ winning pitch centered on Matt Hagen’s loss of identity and livelihood, a universal fear that can stem from physical maladies, technological disruptions or uncontrollable economic conditions. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026

The Persian Gulf state has declared force majeure — citing unexpected, uncontrollable events preventing contracts from being honored — every month since the March attack. — Spencer Kimball,deena Zaidi, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for uncontrollable

• controllable
• inconsolable

Kids Definition

uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl 

: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable

uncontrollably

-blē 

adverb