Unmanageable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😬
Add to dictionary

unmanageable

[ʌnˈmænɪdʒəbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Difficult or impossible to manage or control.

Synonyms

uncontrollable, ungovernable, unruly, wild.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unmanageable

This word appears twice. Please refer to the description above for its context and examples.

  • The workload became unmanageable after the company downsized.
  • His emotions were unmanageable during the stressful time.
uncontrollable

Refers to something or someone that cannot be controlled or restrained, often used to describe behavior, emotions, or situations spiraling out of control.

  • The fire was uncontrollable despite the firefighters' efforts.
  • Her laughter was uncontrollable after hearing the joke.
ungovernable

Describes something or someone that cannot be governed or directed, often used in a political or social context.

  • The region became ungovernable after the rebellion.
  • His passion for adventure was ungovernable.
unruly

Typically refers to behavior that is hard to control, often in a negative sense. Usually describes people or animals that are disobedient or disruptive.

  • The unruly children disrupted the entire class.
  • His unruly hair was difficult to tame.
wild

Conveys a sense of being untamed, free, or chaotic. Can be used to describe natural environments, behavior, or situations.

  • The wild landscape was breathtaking.
  • Her wild dancing captivated everyone at the party.

Examples of usage

  • It was impossible to calm down the unmanageable child.
  • Her unmanageable temper often got her into trouble.
  • The unmanageable situation required immediate action.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling overwhelmed by unmanageable situations can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting mental well-being.
  • Psychologists suggest breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller parts to make them more manageable and less intimidating.

Sociology

  • Societies sometimes face unmanageable issues like crime rates or environmental problems that require collective action.
  • Communities often develop support systems to help individuals cope with unmanageable life circumstances.

Literature

  • In various novels, characters often encounter unmanageable conflicts, driving plots and revealing their true natures.
  • The theme of unmanageable chaos is a prevalent motif in classical literature, reflecting the struggles against fate and disorder.

Business

  • In project management, an unmanageable project often signals poor planning or unrealistic expectations among teams.
  • Companies may use the concept of manageability to assess workloads to prevent employee burnout.

Origin of 'unmanageable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'manageable,' which means 'able to be managed'.
  • The root 'manage' traces back to the Italian word 'maneggiare', which means to handle or control, especially referring to horses.

The word 'unmanageable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'manageable', which comes from the Old French word 'manegier' meaning 'to handle or control'. The term has been used in the English language since the late 16th century.


See also: manageability, manageable, manageableness, managed, management, manager, managerial, managerially, managers, managing, mismanage, mismanagement, mismanager, unmanageability.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,992, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.