What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
uncontrollable
Example
The fire was uncontrollable and quickly spread throughout the building. [uncontrollable: adjective]
Example
She felt an uncontrollable urge to laugh during the serious meeting. [uncontrollable: adjective]
unmanageable
Example
The workload was unmanageable, and she had to ask for help. [unmanageable: adjective]
Example
The children were unmanageable and refused to listen to their teacher. [unmanageable: adjective]
Example
The box was unmanageable due to its weight and size. [unmanageable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unmanageable is more commonly used than uncontrollable in everyday language. Unmanageable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while uncontrollable is less common and refers to specific situations where control is impossible.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between uncontrollable and unmanageable?
Both uncontrollable and unmanageable are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.