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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 When your credit card debt is unmanageable, check with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling about what other options might be available. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 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

An unhappy passenger took to Reddit recently to express dismay about a one-hour flight delay because of an uncontrollable toddler on a flight in Sweden.

— Perri Ormont Blumberg, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
Today, these dire warnings have become a stark reality, as Europe and the US grapple with punishing heatwaves and uncontrollable wildfires.

— Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

Backed by water tankers and a helicopter, firefighters on Sunday fought to contain a stubborn wildfire in Northern California that prompted officials to order evacuations.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Individual quality and a moment of magic can often be the key to unlock a stubborn defence, and Vinicius Jr has frequently been the difference for Madrid.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Recognizing the intractable nature of this problem, Gulf states are already planning to reduce their reliance on the strait, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE likely best positioned to develop new oil shipping routes.

— Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Part of what makes the conflict intractable is who is not harvesting these sharks.

— Kate Waxman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Definition of intractable

Adjective

In one snap, the President, viewed from above, points his finger crossly, as if scolding a scrum of unruly children.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
At the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, it was widely reported that some unruly fans yelled unacceptable things towards him, but instead of handling , McIlroy snapped, screaming obscenities right back.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

Definition of unruly

Adjective

While founder control is cited for long-term vision, the piece suggests alternative models like steward-ownership could foster accountability without sacrificing strategic focus, urging regulators to adapt to this new era of concentrated, potentially ungovernable corporate power.

— Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
The vampiric Goldman Sachs that Taibbi describes is an institution, a system that became too big to fail, and thus ungovernable.

— Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026

Definition of ungovernable

Adjective

Strickland said even getting equipment on the road during construction can be difficult for farmers.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
While following the money may be difficult, there are other signs of the growing role of organized crime in politics.

— Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

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
The patron saint of the 2024 Democratic National Convention was Fannie Lou Hamer—recalcitrant sharecropper turned agitator and, like the Democratic presidential nominee, a black woman.

— Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026

Definition of recalcitrant

Adjective

The plane — heading from Orlando to a golf tournament in Texas— failed to make radio contact or respond to the fighter jets scrambled to intercept it along its wayward course.

— Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 26 July 2026
There is a wayward consultant class that will back anyone to win because winning achieves personal ambitions for power and money.

— Maria Comella, Vanity Fair, 23 July 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unmanageable

adjective

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