Unbearably cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unbearably cold" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe extreme cold that is difficult to tolerate. An example: "The wind made the already unbearable cold feel even worse." Alternative expressions include "excruciatingly cold," "intolerably cold," and "freezing cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Despite the desert's beauty, it was unbearably cold.

The New York Times - Travel

A friend who visited found the once warm house unbearably cold.

The New Yorker

Weather conditions tend to be either insufferably hot or unbearably cold.

The Guardian - Opinion

The wind howls, blizzards are commonplace and the temperature is unbearably cold.

The Guardian - Travel

Balmy Arctic temperatures are exceptionally rare in December, when sea ice is normally expanding in an unbearably cold climate, enabling it to endure through hotter months.

The Washington Post

It was a startling contrast: Despite the encroaching blaze, the air temperature had dipped into the 40s overnight, and the water was unbearably cold.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Make sure HVAC and appliances are as quiet as possible, and turn off everything you can (but don't turn off the HVAC just because it's noisy, we don't want it to get unbearably hot or cold...try recording when it isn't running.

WikiHow

From the seductions of the early interactions, the mood gradually darkens until, in one almost almost unbearably invasive moment, something large and cold is rammed between your hands.

The Guardian

The last few years have seen temperature spikes, with nights becoming unbearably hot and then switching to freezing cold.

The Guardian

"Forty years on and the river's never been lower, the nights are very cold and the days are unbearably hot.

BBC

I love it when it is unbearably hot, and I love it when it is achingly cold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "unbearably cold" with sensory details, such as wind or dampness, to amplify the reader's perception of discomfort and create a more immersive experience.

Common error

Avoid using "unbearably cold" to describe slightly chilly conditions. This phrase is most effective when depicting truly extreme or dangerous cold, and overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unbearably cold" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often related to weather or environment). It amplifies the degree of coldness, suggesting it's beyond comfortable or tolerable. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unbearably cold" is a potent descriptor used to convey a state of extreme coldness that is difficult to endure. Ludwig confirms its correct and relatively frequent usage across various sources, particularly in News & Media, indicating its effectiveness in vividly describing harsh weather conditions. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where the cold is truly severe to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "excruciatingly cold" or "bitterly cold" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excruciatingly cold

Emphasizes the painful aspect of the cold.

Intolerably cold

Focuses on the inability to withstand the cold.

Extremely frigid

Uses a more formal term for very cold.

Bitterly cold

Highlights the harsh and unpleasant nature of the cold.

Severely cold

Indicates a high degree of coldness.

Piercingly cold

Describes the cold as sharp and penetrating.

Freezing beyond endurance

Stresses the limits of human tolerance to the cold.

Numbing cold

Focuses on the effect of the cold causing numbness.

Frigid to the extreme

Highlights the intensity of the cold.

Unfathomably cold

Emphasizes that the level of coldness is difficult to imagine.

FAQs

How can I use "unbearably cold" in a sentence?

You can use "unbearably cold" to describe an extremely cold environment or condition that is difficult to tolerate. For example: "The wind made the already unbearably cold weather even worse."

What phrases are similar to "unbearably cold"?

Alternatives to "unbearably cold" include "excruciatingly cold", "intolerably cold", or "bitterly cold".

Is it appropriate to use "unbearably cold" in formal writing?

Yes, "unbearably cold" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing extreme cold. However, ensure the tone fits the overall style of the piece.

What makes "unbearably cold" different from "very cold"?

"Unbearably cold" implies a level of coldness that is not just intense but also extremely difficult or impossible to tolerate. "Very cold" is a more general description, while "unbearably cold" suggests a much more severe condition.