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uncontrollable

adjective
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un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble | \ ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio) \

Definition of uncontrollable

1 : incapable of being controlled : ungovernable a rush of uncontrollable emotions
2 archaic : free from control by a superior power : absolute
Other Words from uncontrollable Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about uncontrollable

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Other Words from uncontrollable

uncontrollability \ ˌən-​kən-​ˌtrō-​lə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce uncontrollability (audio) \ noun
uncontrollably \ ˌən-​kən-​ˈtrō-​lə-​blē How to pronounce uncontrollably (audio) \ adverb

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes
Recent Examples on the Web Numerous studies have long since revealed that the sound of a baby’s cry releases a hormone that triggers an uncontrollable sense of urgency in its mother. — Beth Spotswood, SFChronicle.com, "Perceptive parents give peace a chance," 6 Jan. 2020 Felix Edward Briggs was born via C-section and doctors rushed Amanda to intensive care, trying to stop her uncontrollable bleeding. — Holly V. Hays, Indianapolis Star, "10 IndyStar stories of loss, love, hope and redemption that made us feel things in 2019," 31 Dec. 2019 Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. — Danny Hermosillo, Houston Chronicle, "Marine runs 200 miles between Houston and San Antonio honoring vets with PTSD," 30 Dec. 2019 That might be less a knack than an uncontrollable urge. — John Shipley, Twin Cities, "John Shipley: With Koivu and Gaborik, Wild might have had it all," 10 Dec. 2019 Green finished with a game- and career-high 30, at times uncontrollable on offense. — Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star, "IU basketball answers a lot of questions with impressive win over No. 19 Florida State," 4 Dec. 2019 According to the season’s official description, Steven begins manifesting new, uncontrollable powers that the Gems have never seen him wield before. — Nick Romano, EW.com, "Steven Universe season 6 teaser trailer reveals December premiere date," 20 Nov. 2019 The unpredictable, often-outrageous and entirely uncontrollable British comedian, 58, will take the podium at the three-hour NBC awards telecast Jan. 5, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Tuesday. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, "Ricky Gervais to return as Golden Globes host, vows fifth will be 'the very last time'," 12 Nov. 2019 Democrats regard President Trump with uncontrollable, pathological, stammer-inducing hatred and are determined to impeach him, no matter what. — Deroy Murdock, National Review, "Where Are the High Crimes and Misdemeanors?," 31 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'uncontrollable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of uncontrollable

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Time Traveler for uncontrollable

Time Traveler

The first known use of uncontrollable was in 1593

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Statistics for uncontrollable

Last Updated

10 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Uncontrollable.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncontrollable. Accessed 23 January 2020.

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More Definitions for uncontrollable

uncontrollable

adjective
How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of uncontrollable

: not able to be controlled

See the full definition for uncontrollable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

uncontrollable

adjective
un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble | \ ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio) \

Kids Definition of uncontrollable

: hard or impossible to control an uncontrollable rage

Other Words from uncontrollable

uncontrollably \ -​blē \ adverb He was laughing uncontrollably.

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More from Merriam-Webster on uncontrollable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for uncontrollable

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with uncontrollable

Spanish Central: Translation of uncontrollable

Nglish: Translation of uncontrollable for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of uncontrollable for Arabic Speakers

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