unbearably heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unbearably heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely difficult to endure or carry, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The emotional weight of the situation felt unbearably heavy, making it hard for her to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

You feel unbearably heavy.

The Guardian - Sport

In anyone else's hands such imagery would be unbearably heavy.

The New York Times - Arts

LAMB stew is a quintessential spring dish that can be a real celebration -- or unbearably heavy.

The New York Times - Food

The costs of staging full-scale new opera are large, the pressure on the composer almost unbearably heavy.

The Guardian

It sounds unbearably heavy, but there is such life in the character of Nathalie (partly inspired by Hansen-Løve's mother) that this weight often turns to levity and laughter.

The Guardian - Film

They must also be efficient so the cables are not unbearably heavy.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The fact that a mainland advert is in your face with its appeal to filial piety does not necessarily mean much, because it can be just as unbearably heavy-handed as ads with all-American values, of which there are also examples.

The New Yorker

Abraham was given an unbearably hard choice.

Vice

Even if tomorrow is unbearably hard, we have today.

Huffington Post

SOUND LEVEL Significantly but not unbearably loud.

The New York Times - Food

It was heavy and had to be constantly cleaned to prevent rusting; in direct sunlight, metal armour became unbearably hot.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional burdens, use "unbearably heavy" to convey a sense of overwhelming pressure or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "unbearably heavy" in situations where a lighter or more neutral term would be more appropriate. It implies a significant degree of distress or difficulty, so be mindful of the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unbearably heavy" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It indicates an extreme degree of heaviness, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase describes something difficult to endure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unbearably heavy" is used to describe something extremely difficult to bear, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. It's an adverb-adjective construction used to intensify the sense of weightiness, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "extremely burdensome" and "excessively weighty". When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants such strong emphasis, avoiding overuse. The usage frequency is uncommon, suggesting it's a more descriptive choice than a common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely burdensome

This alternative emphasizes the oppressiveness of the burden.

oppressively heavy

Emphasizes the feeling of being weighed down and suppressed.

crushingly burdensome

Emphasizes the overwhelming impact of the burden.

excessively weighty

Focuses on the excessive physical weight of something.

overwhelmingly weighty

Stresses the sheer magnitude and impact of the weight.

unmanageably heavy

Indicates that the weight exceeds one's capacity to handle it.

intolerably cumbersome

Highlights the inconvenience and difficulty caused by the weight.

debilitatingly heavy

Indicates that the weight is so significant that it weakens or impairs.

agonizingly heavy

Highlights the pain and suffering associated with the weight.

unacceptably heavy

Focuses on the idea that weight is beyond the limits of tolerance.

FAQs

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

You can use "unbearably heavy" to describe something that is extremely difficult to endure or carry, either literally or metaphorically. For example: "The emotional weight of the situation felt "unbearably heavy", making it hard for her to focus on anything else."

What are some alternatives to "unbearably heavy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely burdensome", "excessively weighty", or "intolerably cumbersome".

When is it appropriate to use "unbearably heavy"?

It is appropriate to use "unbearably heavy" when you want to emphasize the extreme difficulty or burden of something, whether it's a physical object or an emotional weight.

What's the difference between "unbearably heavy" and "very heavy"?

"Very heavy" simply indicates a significant weight. "Unbearably heavy" implies that the weight is so great that it is difficult or impossible to tolerate.