uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio)
1
: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable
a rush of uncontrollable emotions
2
archaic : free from control by a superior power : absolute
uncontrollability noun
uncontrollably adverb

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Commenters had a lot to say, and many of them highlighted an often uncontrollable difference between generations: financial insecurity. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 26 June 2025 In both cases, the objective was to signal strength while minimizing the chance of escalation into uncontrollable conflict. Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 The movement of the chords vividly evokes the feeling of being forever adrift on an ocean of uncontrollable emotions. Don Was, Billboard, 16 June 2025 Giles, senior consulting fellow, from Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Program, said that following the strikes, Russia will again emphasize the risks of uncontrollable escalation in its messaging to the West. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncontrollable

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncontrollable was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncontrollable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncontrollable. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

uncontrollable

adjective
un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio)
: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable
uncontrollably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on uncontrollable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!