uncontrollable

1 of 2

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

uncontrollability

2 of 2

noun

un·​controllability "+ 

: the quality or state of being uncontrollable

the uncontrollability of a forest fire whipped by a dry south wind

—A. R. Mead

Synonyms of uncontrollable

Adjective

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

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

Adjective

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Today, these dire warnings have become a stark reality, as Europe and the US grapple with punishing heatwaves and uncontrollable wildfires. — Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The routine shot, which helps the blood to clot, has protected generations of infants from a life-threatening deficiency that can lead to uncontrollable bleeding. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 14 July 2026

When an ocelot begins prowling the neighborhood and a mysterious green light appears in the sky, Bernardo is forced to confront the harsh, uncontrollable nature of growing up. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 13 July 2026

McCall tried to create a contrast between the locations, with the Cady clan’s surroundings having an overgrown quality reflecting the uncontrollable insanity at the heart of the family. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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