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 Removing suckers regularly will prevent the plant from getting too heavy and becoming unmanageable on stakes or trellises. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 Unkempt vines will continue to grow vigorously and become unmanageable. — Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026 Today, people amass unmanageable debt simply to keep faith with a story that feels increasingly detached from their reality. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Its loss leaves a noticeable gap in the network, but not an unmanageable one, scientists say. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unmanageable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unmanageable

Adjective

The engineer abruptly resigned after refusing to contribute to a reckless corporate competition that could ultimately lead to uncontrollable AI.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Tail Town abides by that policy and aims to educate people about uncontrollable factors that could spook a cat outdoors like cars, dogs and wildlife.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

Apple's stubborn insistence on keeping base iPhones at 60Hz while budget Android phones offer zippier refresh rates has always baffled me.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Bigger paychecks sought While the economy may be showing signs of acceleration, stubborn inflation has eroded Americans’ take-home pay.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Such victories accustomed many Americans to imagining that their skilled leaders could break seemingly intractable political deadlocks in decisive ways.

— Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026
The intractable part could be the very thing that gives our lives meaning.

— Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of intractable

Adjective

The film stars Ronan, 32, as Maria, a passionate teacher who is struggling to keep her class in order thanks to one unruly child, Danny (Eddie Waller).

— Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
That’s because unruly strands can be a deal-breaker on even your best hair day.

— Deanna Pai, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of unruly

Adjective

But obviously the Senate has been a little ungovernable on this issue and a few others.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
The question that could cut through all of this is whether UEFA follows through with its threat of a boycott and non-cooperation, both of which could make FIFA ungovernable for Infantino.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of ungovernable

Adjective

The outbreak is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
And widespread adoption by farmers is challenging because perennial crops don’t yield as much, harvesting can be difficult and the market still is developing.

— Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 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
Part of the problem is that, outside of their tenants’ pleas, landlords face neither any real pressure nor any legal requirement to install shutters and ceiling fans; even owners who want to do so are thwarted by recalcitrant co-op boards or finicky historic-preservation reviews.

— Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

Definition of recalcitrant

Adjective

Of course the playwright has prepared the way, but the wayward emotions emanating from these inwardly glowing performances are refreshing in work that has the crisp, circumscribed elegance of a mathematical proof.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Although the story of Odysseus binding himself to the mast to resist the Sirens’ song may belong to the mythical imagination, plenty of desperate souls have gone to heroic lengths to obstruct their wayward desires.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of wayward

Browse Nearby Words

unman

unmanageable

unmanly

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“Unmanageable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unmanageable. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unmanageable

adjective

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