ungovernable

adjective

un·​gov·​ern·​able ˌən-ˈgə-vər-nə-bəl 

: not capable of being governed, guided, or restrained

Synonyms of ungovernable

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn

Choose the Right Synonym for ungovernable

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of ungovernable in a Sentence

The people there seemed almost ungovernable.

a handful of ungovernable students are disrupting the learning environment for everyone else

Recent Examples on the Web

That lineage comes through in their ungovernable guitar noodling, inspired by underground icons NRBQ and Bottle Rockets, and a boisterous energy befitting of drunken basement shows. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026

This judgment was based not on Altman’s track record, which was modest, but on his will to prevail, which Graham considered almost ungovernable. —Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

What came first, Ben’s poor management style or Ellie’s ungovernable temper? —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026

Hello Coop, The Coop remains ungovernable. —Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ungovernable

adjective

un·​gov·​ern·​able ˌən-ˈgəv-ər-nə-bəl 

: not capable of being governed, guided, or controlled

an ungovernable temper