UNMANAGEABLE Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

unmanageable

adjective

ˌən-ˈma-ni-jə-bəl

Definition of unmanageable

as in uncontrollable

given to resisting control or discipline by others an unmanageable dog who had to be returned to the pound

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of unmanageable Undiagnosed learning disabilities, trauma or neglect can also make ordinary frustration feel unmanageable. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 If your debt has already become unmanageable and full repayment isn't realistic, debt settlement may be the right option instead. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Despite numerous warning signs demonstrating that the gathering had become increasingly dangerous and unmanageable, defendants allowed the event to continue until multiple rounds of gunfire erupted, killing Corey Adams and wounding several others. — Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 20 July 2026 In his view, the Bank of Japan is suppressing bond yields to prevent interest costs on the debt pile from becoming unmanageable. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unmanageable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unmanageable

Adjective

When energy is left stranded in a battery that becomes submerged in salt water, that can lead to a short circuit and an uncontrollable increase in temperature.

— Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Elementary school students may have tantrums, be clingy, have toileting accidents, engage in uncontrollable crying or become less talkative as a result of changes in schools, homes and caregivers.

— Nikki R Wooten, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

Soft-spoken in person but prolific on social media, Prince touts his work in Haiti as a model to other failing states with their own intractable security problems.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
For Che, wrestling with all sides of seemingly intractable issues—like figuring out how to solve the gun violence epidemic in our country—is what generates the comedy.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of intractable

Adjective

Two styling products to finish the look John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum is designed for stubborn frizz and unruly hair, helping create a smoother finish and manage humidity.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
That dustup is typically followed by a defense in Puck’s media newsletter, the reflexively anti-rank-and-file outlet where some media bosses and spokespeople go to air grievances about their unruly staff.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of unruly

Adjective

In any case, an ungovernable morning routine is probably a feature of a busy household, not a bug.

— Allison Johnson, The Verge, 13 Oct. 2026
From there, the NCAA accelerated its campaign to convince Congress that college sports would be ungovernable and unsustainable without federal liability protections.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of ungovernable

Adjective

The problem, Snegovaya said, is that achieving military autonomy for Europe and Ukraine is extremely difficult in the short term, and Europe has been slow to develop the necessary capabilities.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Past changes have pushed the glacier into a retreat that may be difficult to reverse, while new modeling suggests scientists may have underestimated how warm seawater reaches beneath it.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

Brian is a gee-whiz irritant, with a reckless attachment to the family’s conveniently recalcitrant dog and a knack for making dangerous situations worse.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
In their recalcitrant way, the balance tips more toward the sentimental than the cynical.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Definition of recalcitrant

Adjective

The wayward squash is now secured with paracord, baling twine and corkscrew spikes, with everything tied off to two tractors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
The movie offered a sly critique of Korea’s rapid urbanization, and introduced the wayward types (bar girls, severely disabled men) that would populate all of Lee’s films.

— E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of wayward

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unman

unmanageable

unmanly

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“Unmanageable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unmanageable. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unmanageable

adjective

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