uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl 

1

: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable

a rush of uncontrollable emotions

2

archaic : free from control by a superior power : absolute

uncontrollability

ˌən-kən-ˌtrō-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

uncontrollably

ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• froward
• headstrong
• incontrollable
• intractable
• recalcitrant
• refractory
• ungovernable
• unmanageable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes

Recent Examples on the Web

Research shows that people under stress are more likely to give up, but only when the situation feels uncontrollable. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

Entire neighborhoods are retrofitted with clear glass domes that activate during extreme rainstorms and uncontrollable wildfires. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025

By the next morning, I was doubled over in my sleeping bag with a rib-splitting, uncontrollable hack. —Ben Ayers, Outside Online, 9 May 2025

Daily use by adolescents and adults can result in another unpleasant side effect: uncontrollable vomiting, according to a 2021 study. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 5 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for uncontrollable

• controllable
• inconsolable

Kids Definition

uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl 

: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable

uncontrollably

-blē 

adverb