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

The latest protests in Iran began in late December over unbearable economic conditions and the collapse of the national currency, the rial. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

They were terrified that their children would be drafted; apartheid had become unbearable. —Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026

According to her husband, Regina took about one month to successfully hang from a ponytail without unbearable pain. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026

Lori Coble was in the hospital with her own injuries from the crash when Rustad had the task of breaking the unbearable news about the loss of Kyle, Emma and Katie, who had been taken to different facilities. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 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