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

Another independent doctor subsequently concluded that the child's suffering was clear and unbearable, and that the requirements for termination of life under the nation's rules had been met. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Her unbearable grief drove her to drop out without warning, without notice, nothing. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2026

The defining feature of Israeli apartheid is to make Palestinian life unbearable until our removal can be recorded as an act of free will. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Eubank Jr had been suffering from an unbearable headache, his face swollen almost beyond recognition and a small plastic tube emerging from his left hand and connected to a bag of fluids. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 10 Sep. 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