gets unmanageable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets unmanageable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that becomes difficult to control or handle. Example: "As the project progressed, the workload increased, and soon it gets unmanageable for the team to keep up with deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It gets unmanageable.

The New York Times

Multiply that by thousands of students and the bill gets unmanageable very quickly.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

My voice had gotten unmanageable.

The Guardian - Music

It got unmanageable when Grover joined a New York law firm.

The Washington Post

"I wasn't going to cut my nails either until we lost, but they were beginning to get unmanageable," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The matrix of processor possibilities for new MacBooks can get unmanageable quickly (i.e., hard to condense into a short post).

Forbes

By doing one or two a day you can keep up with them, and they will not get unmanageable or take up mass amounts of time on weekends or family time.

WikiHow

They have become unmanageable.

The Guardian

It's like feeding a monster; by feeding it, it gets bigger and will become unmanageable at some point!

WikiHow

They've got a point: if this agency misses a problem, it could grow and become unmanageable.

The New York Times

He says there's no risk that they will get into unmanageable debt because the banks won't extend excessive credit, calling the system "self-regulating".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more formal synonyms like "becomes unsustainable" in professional or academic writing for a more authoritative tone.

Common error

Avoid using "gets unmanageable" to describe a state that has always been difficult. The phrase suggests a change over time, so reserve it for situations that were once manageable but have since become difficult to control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets unmanageable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (often implied) as it transitions to being beyond control. The examples found by Ludwig demonstrate this in various contexts, such as workload or personal debt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gets unmanageable" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe something that is becoming increasingly difficult to handle. Ludwig's analysis, alongside real-world examples, indicates it carries a neutral tone and is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and general writing. Alternatives such as "becomes overwhelming" or "spirals out of control" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. It's essential to use this phrase accurately, reserving it for situations that transition from manageable to beyond control, as misusing it can lead to inaccuracies in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grows unmanageable

Focuses on the gradual increase in difficulty to manage.

becomes overwhelming

Emphasizes the feeling of being overburdened and unable to cope.

becomes uncontrollable

Directly states the loss of ability to manage or regulate.

turns chaotic

Focuses on the disorganization and lack of control in a situation.

spirals out of control

Highlights the rapid and uncontrollable decline of a situation.

becomes too much to handle

Expresses the feeling of being overwhelmed and incapable.

degenerates into chaos

Emphasizes the deterioration of a situation into a state of complete disorder.

reaches a critical point

Indicates that the situation has become severe and requires immediate attention.

becomes unsustainable

Suggests that the current situation cannot continue without negative consequences.

becomes untenable

Implies that the situation is no longer viable or defensible.

FAQs

What does "gets unmanageable" mean?

The phrase "gets unmanageable" describes a situation or task that is becoming increasingly difficult to control or handle. It implies a process where something transitions from a manageable state to one that is beyond control.

How can I use "gets unmanageable" in a sentence?

You can use "gets unmanageable" to describe increasing workloads, growing crowds, or escalating problems. For example, "As the project progressed, the workload "becomes overwhelming"."

What are some alternatives to "gets unmanageable"?

Alternatives include "becomes overwhelming", "turns chaotic", or "spirals out of control". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "gets unmanageable" formal or informal?

"Gets unmanageable" is generally considered neutral in tone. While it can be used in informal settings, it's also appropriate for news reporting and general writing. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "becomes unsustainable".