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

Owners are increasingly savvy about distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable costs. —Tyler Christiansen, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

After doing so, Haley couldn't contain herself and broke out in uncontrollable laughter. —Michael Nied, People.com, 11 July 2025

After all, these rich, beautiful people couldn't possibly see past Dee's uncontrollable urge to panic-gag and Charlie's uncontrollable desire to shove grotesque amounts of cheese in his mouth, right? —Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s variegated Cornus controversa or other such miraculous botanical creations no matter how much thou might experience those dark and uncontrollable urges. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 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