loose cannon

noun

: a dangerously uncontrollable person or thing

Examples of loose cannon in a Sentence

a politician who is regarded as a loose cannon by her colleagues
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Dani is a wild card, a loose cannon, an unpredictable force of nature whose actions are driven entirely by her fluctuating impulses. Andy Swift, TVLine, 24 Feb. 2025 Many of the cast members and celebrities who made cameos had also been part of the 40th anniversary show (though loose cannons like Chappelle and Alec Baldwin were relegated to giving short introductions). Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025 This is a restless day for you, because everything is a bit of a loose cannon. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2025 But Sanchez, who has been against his partner's scheme from the beginning, quickly clashes with Huerta, seeing him as a loose cannon capable of destroying their reputations. Mike Miller, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loose cannon

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loose cannon was in 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Loose cannon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose%20cannon. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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