uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio)
Synonyms of uncontrollablenext
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.
Some researchers question whether addiction is the appropriate term to describe heavy use of social media, arguing that a person must be experiencing identifiable symptoms, like strong, sometimes uncontrollable urges and withdrawal, to qualify as addiction. Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 An additional hurdle with AZMBs is the uncontrollable side reactions that occur when battery temperature exceeds 140°F (60 °C). Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026 The past several years of building Ruki’s Kitchen have been a grind, from launching in one food hall in East Atlanta to transitioning into a pop-up at other restaurants and events where uncontrollable variables like weather and turnout could affect the business. Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026 Leaders often blame uncontrollable factors—policies of previous administrations, hiring for a boom that fizzled unexpectedly, macroeconomic uncertainty, the rise of artificial intelligence—but all too often the real strategic issues go unaddressed. Harvard Business Review, 1 Jan. 2026 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 27 Jan. 2026.

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!