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

But it’s almost carried by an uncontrollable wave that his eighth album arrives, to once again redefine the limits of the genre. —Billboard France, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025

If deployed in critical applications—such as power grid management or financial trading systems—the potential for unexpected and uncontrollable outcomes would increase significantly. —Henry Papadatos, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025

Her behavior became so outrageous and uncontrollable that her family arranged to send her to a girls’ reformatory. —Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025

As surveillance and interrogation deepen, the line between loyalty and obsession blurs, leading both men into a dangerous and uncontrollable connection. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

uncontrollable

adjective

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

: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable

uncontrollably

-blē 

adverb