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

An uncontrollable rise in heat was causing the water to vaporize. —Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026

His tics are not naughty mischief, but an uncontrollable action. —Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

When that area sends faulty messages to the body, uncontrollable movements called spasms can affect various muscles. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

Iran is an uncontrollable, radical country that spreads terror and mayhem throughout the Middle East and has continually threatened America. —Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 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