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

These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025

Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring.. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025

The warnings are traditionally issued when conditions are conducive to uncontrollable fire activity, meaning any new burnings pose a substantial public safety hazard. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025

Weed users may also develop cardiac arrhythmias or uncontrollable vomiting, and often have more heavy metals in their bodies. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 29 June 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