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

Nicole says that as an adult, her brother faced unbearable tragedy when one of his children died. — Edie Peffley, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026

To this day, the putrid, offensive odor coming from the tens of millions of pounds of rotting food in the warehouse is unbearable for families. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Across Minnesota — in small towns and lake communities, on farms and in cities — families are facing the same unbearable loss. — Marcus Schmit, Washington Post, 4 Aug. 2026

Kikuko found the noise from next door especially unbearable in summer. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 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