unbearable

adjective

un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈber-ə-bəl How to pronounce unbearable (audio)
Synonyms of unbearablenext
: not bearable : unendurable
unbearable pain
unbearably adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The situation became unbearable within months, and the man decided to leave the company to pursue other opportunities. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 Lopatin’s score modulated between tension and unbearable anxiety until its poignant (Iggy Pop–assisted) catharsis. Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025 The sometimes unbearable suspense of wondering what will happen next can propel even the most mediocre thriller movies forward, and the best ones can use that tension to also probe deep into the psyches of our protagonists. Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025 The cost of living in Southern California, where Jake resided before moving to Austin, had become unbearable. Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unbearable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbearable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unbearable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbearable. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

unbearable

adjective
un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈbar-ə-bəl How to pronounce unbearable (audio)
ˈən-
-ˈber-
: greater than can be borne
unbearable pain
unbearably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unbearable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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