uncontrollable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'uncontrollable' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective to describe something that cannot be managed, restrained, or limited. Example sentence: The unbridled enthusiasm of the crowd was uncontrollable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wonder if it's going to be uncontrollable and really strong and have an appetite for humans?

The Guardian - Film

Uncontrollable capital flows have demoted even the elected leaders of former imperial nation-states such as Britain and France into enablers of investor-friendly climates.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, such pleasures are fleeting, and if you rely on unhealthy foods to get high, you may mess up your reward system, encouraging uncontrollable cravings and binges.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am briefly transported to Pigalle, where as a tour guide I once watched, helpless, as a group of uncontrollable teenage Mexicans in my care melted deftly into various bars, strip clubs and brothels, and I know Maurizio is fighting a losing battle against seal lust.

The Guardian - Travel

"The Flying Tomato", as he was known, was the arbiter of style on the halfpipe, where he was eagerly imitated; it's fair to say that his uncontrollable 'do spawned its own imitators too.

The Guardian - Sport

You're gripped by an uncontrollable urge to take the producer by the sleeve and quietly ask them what the hell they're playing at.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In their different ways South Africans of all colours and convictions are still trying to catch their breath.The first result of Mr Mandela's freedom has been uncontrollable crowds.

The Economist

But the virus is devastating for the region nonetheless.The frightful nature of the disease, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and uncontrollable bleeding, and the lack of a cure have led to panic and fear.

The Economist

Instead of instructing institutions to invest carefully lest they lose their shirt, the Fed encouraged firms to invest riskily, since risky bets pay off in good times and are chalked up to the uncontrollable forces of crisis in bad times.And second, of course, the extreme danger of the crisis led the government to throw moral hazard concerns overboard entirely.

The Economist

One of those uncontrollable veld fires, said the police.All that time he fought to hold on.

The Economist

There is no treatment for the disease, which can cause uncontrollable bleeding.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like emotions or urges as "uncontrollable", consider the degree of intensity you want to convey. Weaker alternatives include "difficult to manage" or "hard to suppress".

Common error

While "uncontrollable" is widely used, avoid overuse in very formal or academic writing. More nuanced vocabulary might be preferred to emphasize specific aspects of the lack of control.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "uncontrollable" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that the noun it describes is impossible to manage, restrain, or govern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncontrollable" is a commonly used adjective denoting something impossible to manage or restrain. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. The analysis reveals it frequently appears in news, formal business, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When aiming for nuanced expression, consider alternatives such as "unmanageable" or "irrepressible", tailoring your vocabulary to precisely capture the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmanageable

Indicates difficulty or impossibility in managing or handling something.

out of control

A common idiom for something that has exceeded the limits of regulation or management.

irrepressible

Implies a force that cannot be restrained or held back, often referring to emotions or actions.

uncontainable

Suggests an inability to be kept within limits or boundaries.

unrestrained

Suggests a lack of control or moderation, often in behavior or expression.

unruly

Often used to describe behavior that is disruptive and difficult to control.

ungovernable

Specifically refers to something that cannot be governed or ruled.

unchecked

Implies a lack of monitoring or regulation, leading to undesirable consequences.

rampant

Suggests something spreading or growing without check, often with negative implications.

indomitable

Describes something that cannot be subdued or defeated, often referring to a person's spirit.

FAQs

How can I use "uncontrollable" in a sentence?

"Uncontrollable" is usually used as an adjective to describe something that cannot be controlled, for example: "The fire quickly became uncontrollable" or "She had an uncontrollable urge to laugh".

What can I say instead of "uncontrollable"?

Alternatives to "uncontrollable" include "unmanageable", "irrepressible", or "out of control", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever correct to use "uncontrollably"?

Yes, "uncontrollably" is the adverb form of "uncontrollable" and is used to describe how something is done in an uncontrolled manner, for example: "She was shaking uncontrollably".

What's the difference between "uncontrollable" and "uncontrolled"?

"Uncontrollable" describes something that cannot be controlled, while "uncontrolled" describes something that is not currently being controlled. For instance, "uncontrollable rage" implies the rage is inherently impossible to manage, whereas "uncontrolled experiment" means the experiment lacks control measures.