uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl 

1

: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable

a rush of uncontrollable emotions

2

archaic : free from control by a superior power : absolute

uncontrollability

ˌən-kən-ˌtrō-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

uncontrollably

ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• stubborn
• unmanageable
• wilful
• ungovernable
• incontrollable
• intractable
• unruly
• willful
• rebellious
• wayward
• recalcitrant
• refractory
• difficult
• out of hand
• headstrong
• naughty

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes

Recent Examples on the Web

Natalya also addressed the infamous storyline where her character suffered from uncontrollable flatulence. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Everyone is sorry about a life’s work dissolving through uncontrollable circumstances. —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

That revelation—learning that uncontrollable crying wasn’t her personality but neurological damage—became another layer of self-compassion. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Oct. 2025

These friends act as social insurance systems for each other, helping each other when needs arise because of unpredictable and uncontrollable events. —Athena Aktipis, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for uncontrollable

• controllable
• inconsolable

Kids Definition

uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl 

: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable

uncontrollably

-blē 

adverb