uncontrollable

[uhn-kuhn-troh-luh-buhl]

adjective

1. incapable of being controlled or restrained.

   uncontrollable anger.

noun

1. something, as an obligation, that cannot be controlled, reduced, or dispensed with.

   the uncontrollables in the new federal budget.

uncontrollable

/ ˌʌnkənˈtrəʊləbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being controlled or managed

Other Word Forms

• uncontrollably adverb
• uncontrollability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncontrollable¹

First recorded in 1570–80; un- ¹ + control + -able

Example Sentences

The Skin Cancer Foundation says BCC most commonly occurs when extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation, from the sun or tanning beds, causes DNA damage and uncontrollable growth of basal cells.

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North Korean state media called the shots a "deliberate provocation" and Pyongyang has accused Seoul of risking "uncontrollable" tensions.

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He shakes his fists and jerks his legs in a manner suggesting a rare uncontrollable muscle spasm induced by a live electric wire arbitrarily applied to the spinal column.

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The medication can also actually worsen existing symptoms of restless legs - according to dozens of the people who spoke to the BBC - sometimes causing an uncontrollable urge to move in other parts of the body.

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In an editorial, Beijing's state newspaper Global Times also said US involvement in Iran "had further complicated and destabilised the Middle East situation" and that it was pushing the conflict to an "uncontrollable state".

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Related Words

• fractious 
• intractable 
• irresistible 
• lawless 
• undisciplined 
• unmanageable 
• unruly 
• violent