Uncontrollable
/ˌʌnkənˈtroʊləbəl/
Definitions
Impossible to manage or restrain; not subject to control.
/ˌʌnkənˈtroʊləbəl/
Impossible to control or restrain.
The dog's uncontrollable barking disrupted the entire neighborhood.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to hold onto a bunch of balloons, and suddenly the wind picks up. The balloons are going EVERYWHERE! That's what 'uncontrollable' means – something you can't stop or manage, like laughter after a really funny joke.
👶 For kids: When something is uncontrollable, it means it's like a wild animal that you can't make it stop or do what you want.
More Examples
The uncontrollable spread of the wildfire forced residents to evacuate.
She experienced uncontrollable fits of laughter.
How It's Used
"The patient's uncontrollable anxiety attacks were debilitating."
"The fire caused uncontrollable spread of the fire."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
uncontrollable urge
A strong and irresistible desire or impulse.
"She had an uncontrollable urge to eat chocolate."
From 'un-' (not) + 'controllable' (able to be controlled), from Middle French 'controller' meaning 'to check the rolls'.
The word's usage has remained consistent over time, frequently associated with emotions and forces beyond human management.
Memory tip
Imagine a wild, unruly animal – it's uncontrollable!
Word Origin
"to check, to verify, to regulate"