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

• stubborn
• unmanageable
• 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

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

Her plans are derailed when a mysterious fluid begins flowing from her navel and transforms into a perfect but uncontrollable duplicate of herself. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 July 2026

What really sets cyclosporiasis symptoms apart is explosive, watery diarrhea that’s sometimes uncontrollable. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026

Stop staring in the rearview mirror at past mistakes and uncontrollable chaos. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 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