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 of uncontrollable

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

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes

Recent Examples on the Web

Officers testified that Miller was resisting arrest and uncontrollable. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

Unfortunately, the endeavor began to unravel a few weeks into Link’s journey, when the spacecraft accidentally entered into an uncontrollable spin. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

Melanoma is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of these cells, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Security experts, however, say these events are likely to continue happening given the fundamentally uncontrollable nature of advanced AI systems. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

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