Unbearable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unbearable

 

[ ˌʌnˈbɛərəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not able to be endured or tolerated. Causing extreme discomfort or distress.

Synonyms

insufferable, intolerable, unendurable, unmanageable, unsupportable.

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Word Description / Examples
unbearable

Describes something so painful or distressing that it cannot be endured. Often used for emotional pain, uncomfortable situations, or extreme weather. It implies a high degree of discomfort.

  • The heat was unbearable.
  • Her grief was unbearable after losing her pet.
intolerable

Refers to something that cannot be tolerated or accepted due to its severity or extremity. Often used for conditions or situations that are legally or morally unacceptable.

  • The noise from the construction was intolerable.
  • The working conditions were intolerable.
unendurable

Similar to 'unbearable', it describes something that cannot be endured due to its extreme nature. This term is less common and often used in more formal contexts.

  • The pain of the injury was unendurable.
  • The loneliness during the pandemic became unendurable.
unsupportable

Means something that cannot be supported or justified. It can also refer to something that is so difficult that it cannot be sustained.

  • The costs of the project became unsupportable.
  • Her argument was unsupportable by the evidence provided.
insufferable

Used to describe someone or something extremely annoying or unbearable due to arrogance or unpleasant behavior. This word has a negative connotation, often used for people or situations that evoke strong irritation.

  • His insufferable attitude made it hard to work with him.
  • She found his bragging insufferable.
unmanageable

Used for situations or people that are difficult or impossible to control. It implies lack of control or order.

  • The classroom of unruly students became unmanageable.
  • His anger made him unmanageable.

Examples of usage

  • The heat was unbearable, making it hard to breathe.
  • The pain in her chest was unbearable, she knew she needed to see a doctor immediately.
  • His constant criticism became unbearable, leading to tension in the workplace.
  • The thought of losing her best friend was unbearable, bringing tears to her eyes.
  • I find his arrogance unbearable, I can't stand being around him.

Translations

Translations of the word "unbearable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insuportável

🇮🇳 असहनीय

🇩🇪 unerträglich

🇮🇩 tak tertahankan

🇺🇦 нестерпний

🇵🇱 nieznośny

🇯🇵 耐えられない (taerarenai)

🇫🇷 insupportable

🇪🇸 insoportable

🇹🇷 dayanılmaz

🇰🇷 참을 수 없는 (chameul su eobsneun)

🇸🇦 لا يُطاق (la yutāq)

🇨🇿 nesnesitelný

🇸🇰 neznesiteľný

🇨🇳 难以忍受的 (nányǐ rěnshòu de)

🇸🇮 neznosen

🇮🇸 óþolandi

🇰🇿 шыдамсыз

🇬🇪 არასათანადო (arasatanado)

🇦🇿 dözülməz

🇲🇽 insoportable

Etymology

The word 'unbearable' has its roots in the Old English word 'unberan', which means 'not able to bear'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, used to describe something that is too difficult or painful to endure. The concept of something being unbearable is universal, as people across cultures can relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by discomfort or distress.

See also: bear, bearable, beard, bearer, bearers, bearing, bearish, forbear, forbearance, forbearing, forebear, forebears, overbearing, unbearably.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,025, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.