uncontrollable

adjective

un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio)
1
: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable
a rush of uncontrollable emotions
2
archaic : free from control by a superior power : absolute
uncontrollability noun
uncontrollably adverb

Examples of uncontrollable in a Sentence

the uncontrollable child kept throwing tantrums in public and creating scenes
Recent Examples on the Web Who better to trade banter about gaping vaginas, the unclassifiable dampness of one’s second-trimester nether regions, the lack-of-lactation blues, and uncontrollable bowel movements in the O.R.? David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2024 Dogs have shown resilience in the wild, withstanding months in uncontrollable conditions. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2024 On the second day, a caffeine-withdrawal migraine leads to uncontrollable vomiting. Chloe Bottero, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2024 There are some uncontrollable factors that can contribute to arrhythmias, however. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 This worsens the risk of thermal runaway – an uncontrollable process in which excess heat inside a battery speeds up unwanted chemical reactions that release more heat, triggering further reactions. Apparao Rao, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024 Peregrine's control thrusters are struggling to keep the lander from an uncontrollable tumble, Astrobotic said. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2024 Now facing off against an uncontrollable robot with a penchant for murder (and viral dance moves), Gemma and her co-workers must find a way to power their creation down forever — or risk dying at her hands. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2023 Arab leaders, who have pleaded for a cease-fire, warn the war must end soon before public rage grows uncontrollable. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncontrollable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncontrollable was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near uncontrollable

Cite this Entry

“Uncontrollable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncontrollable. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

uncontrollable

adjective
un·​con·​trol·​la·​ble ˌən-kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl How to pronounce uncontrollable (audio)
: incapable of being controlled : ungovernable
uncontrollably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on uncontrollable

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