an uncontrollable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncontrollable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be controlled or managed, often referring to emotions, behaviors, or situations. Example: "He felt an uncontrollable urge to laugh during the serious meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I felt an uncontrollable giddiness.

The New York Times

"It's an uncontrollable situation," BT said.

The New York Times

"We have other constraints, and this is an uncontrollable cost".

The New York Times

He had an uncontrollable charm for respectable middle-aged women.

The New Yorker

It has become a tic, an uncontrollable impulse.

Independent

The spray is flying up everywhere like an uncontrollable fountain.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're trying to prevent an uncontrollable collapse of the business.

Independent

All hell was breaking loose at an uncontrollable speed.

Independent

The speed of mass-shooting news is quickening to an uncontrollable pace.

The New Yorker

"Frantic provocations... are rapidly driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to an uncontrollable extreme phase.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The father has an uncontrollable kid and he is a resentful parent.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an uncontrollable" to describe emotions or urges, ensure the subject experiencing the feeling is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "an uncontrollable" is acceptable, consider stronger or more precise synonyms like "unmanageable" or "irrepressible" in formal or academic writing to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncontrollable" functions as an adjective modifying a noun, describing something that cannot be controlled or managed. Ludwig examples show it used with nouns like 'impulse', 'urge', 'situation', and 'force'. Ludwig AI also confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an uncontrollable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something beyond control. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears commonly in contexts related to news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, consider using stronger or more precise alternatives in formal writing. Remember to clearly identify the subject when describing emotions or urges. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of being unable to manage or restrain something, whether it be a situation, emotion, or physical force. Ludwig provides many examples to illustrate its versatile application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an out-of-control

A more direct and common way to express that something is not being managed or directed effectively.

an unmanageable

Focuses more on the difficulty of managing or handling something, rather than the lack of control itself.

an uncontainable

Emphasizes the inability to keep something within limits or boundaries.

an unstoppable

Focuses on the impossibility of preventing something from happening or progressing.

an irrepressible

Highlights the difficulty of suppressing or restraining something, particularly emotions or actions.

an unrestrained

Suggests a lack of restraint or moderation, often implying a wild or excessive quality.

an unchecked

Emphasizes the absence of monitoring or regulation, leading to potential problems.

an ungovernable

Implies a resistance to being governed or ruled, often used in political or social contexts.

a runaway

Suggests something is rapidly escalating and becoming difficult to stop.

an overwhelming

Highlights the intense or powerful nature of something that is difficult to manage.

FAQs

How can I use "an uncontrollable" in a sentence?

You can use "an uncontrollable" to describe something that cannot be controlled or managed, such as "an uncontrollable urge" or "an uncontrollable situation".

What are some alternatives to saying "an uncontrollable"?

Alternatives include "an unmanageable", "an unrestrained", or "an unstoppable", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "uncontrollable" or "out of control"?

"An uncontrollable" typically modifies a noun (e.g., "an uncontrollable fire"), while "out of control" often describes a situation or system (e.g., "the situation is out of control").

What's the difference between "an uncontrollable" and "an unmanageable"?

"An uncontrollable" emphasizes the lack of ability to control, while "an unmanageable" emphasizes the difficulty of managing or handling something. They are often interchangeable, but "unmanageable" may imply a degree of potential control that is simply very difficult.