Uncontrollable: meaning, definitions and examples

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uncontrollable

 

[ ˌʌnkənˈtroʊləbəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Unable to be restrained or controlled; wild, unruly, or unpredictable.

Synonyms

incontrollable, unmanageable, unrestrained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncontrollable

Used to describe something or someone that cannot be controlled or restrained. Often used in medical, behavioral, or emotional contexts.

  • His uncontrollable anger worried his friends.
  • The disease spread at an uncontrollable rate.
unrestrained

Used to describe something or someone free of limits or control, often implying lack of self-control or excess. Can have a negative connotation.

  • Her unrestrained laughter filled the room.
  • The party descended into unrestrained chaos.
unmanageable

Used when referring to someone or something difficult to manage or handle, often in work or daily life contexts. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The workload has become unmanageable.
  • His unmanageable behavior got him in trouble at school.
incontrollable

A less common synonym of 'uncontrollable'. Used in similar contexts but may sound more formal or old-fashioned.

  • The crowd's excitement was incontrollable.
  • The fire became incontrollable within minutes.

Examples of usage

  • His uncontrollable anger often led to arguments with his colleagues.
  • The fire spread uncontrollably through the dry forest.
  • She felt an uncontrollable urge to laugh at the serious situation.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotion

Overwhelming or overpowering, unable to be managed or suppressed.

Synonyms

irrepressible, overwhelming, unstoppable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncontrollable

Use when describing something that cannot be controlled or managed, often referring to emotions or actions.

  • Her anger was uncontrollable after she heard the news.
  • The wildfire spread with uncontrollable speed.
irrepressible

Use when referring to emotions, enthusiasm, or energy that cannot be held back or restrained; often has a positive connotation.

  • The child's irrepressible laughter filled the room.
  • He had an irrepressible enthusiasm for life.
overwhelming

Use when describing something that is so powerful or intense that it is difficult to handle or resist; can be both positive or negative depending on context.

  • The support from her friends was overwhelming.
  • She felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.
unstoppable

Use when referring to a force, action, or person that cannot be stopped or prevented, often in a positive and determined sense.

  • The team's determination made them unstoppable.
  • Her ambition was unstoppable.

Examples of usage

  • She was consumed by uncontrollable grief after the loss of her pet.
  • The uncontrollable joy she felt upon receiving the good news was evident in her smile.

Translations

Translations of the word "uncontrollable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incontrolável

🇮🇳 अनियंत्रित

🇩🇪 unkontrollierbar

🇮🇩 tidak terkendali

🇺🇦 неконтрольований

🇵🇱 niekontrolowany

🇯🇵 制御不能

🇫🇷 incontrôlable

🇪🇸 incontrolable

🇹🇷 kontrol edilemez

🇰🇷 제어할 수 없는

🇸🇦 لا يمكن السيطرة عليه

🇨🇿 neovladatelný

🇸🇰 neovládateľný

🇨🇳 无法控制的

🇸🇮 neobvladljiv

🇮🇸 óviðráðanlegur

🇰🇿 бақылаусыз

🇬🇪 უკონტროლო

🇦🇿 idarəolunmaz

🇲🇽 incontrolable

Etymology

The word 'uncontrollable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'controllable'. The concept of something being uncontrollable has been present throughout human history, as the struggle to manage or restrain certain aspects of life is a universal theme. The word embodies the idea of chaos, lack of restraint, and the unpredictable nature of some phenomena.

See also: control, controlability, controllability, controllable, controlled, controlledly, controller, controllers, controlling, controls, incontrollable, uncontrollability, uncontrollably, uncontrolled.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,832, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.