ungovernable

[ uhn-guhv-er-nuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. impossible to govern, rule, or restrain; uncontrollable.

ungovernable

/ ʌnˈɡʌvənəbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be disciplined, restrained, etc

   an ungovernable temper

Derived Forms

• unˈgovernably, adverb
• unˈgovernableness, noun

Other Words From

• un·govern·a·bili·ty un·govern·a·ble·ness noun
• un·govern·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ungovernable¹

1665–75; un- ¹ + governable ( def )

Example Sentences

With signage on the screen behind him that read, "Become ungovernable" in a grafitti-style font, it seemed that everyone took that directive to heart during the party's national convention in Washington, DC on Saturday night.

From Salon

Or would the House speaker, who portrays himself as a “servant leader” in the Christian tradition, be beholden to the unruly, essentially ungovernable Republican majority, many aligned with former President Trump.

From Seattle Times

"It is rapid sea level rise and the accompanying shifting of climate zones that create a potential existential threat to humanity, as they would drive emigration pressures that could make the planet ungovernable."

From Salon

He was ungovernable and thrill-seeking, traits that, on the set, gave his performances authenticity but that also led him to squander opportunities.

From New York Times

One of America’s two major political parties is now dedicated to achieving power at all costs and will try to make the nation ungovernable when a Democrat sits in the White House.

From Seattle Times