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

There’s the wait that will put an end to unbearable solitude, or perhaps the fear of a new presence arriving to disrupt everything. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Faced with that unbearable truth, Evelyn and Caleb decide to take matters into their own hands. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

The cases of Christa Pike and Nidal Hasan show how vanishingly fine the line is between a routine execution and an unbearable one. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Having now seen both movies, there’s no question that Whalefall put him through the more unbearable crucible. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 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