unbearable

adjective

un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈber-ə-bəl How to pronounce unbearable (audio)
: not bearable : unendurable
unbearable pain
unbearably adverb

Examples of unbearable in a Sentence

We were in an almost unbearable state of excitement. this heat is unbearable—when are we going to get air-conditioning?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If you’ve been hurt before—through rejection, betrayal or emotional invalidation—exposing your emotions again can seem unbearable. Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 Merit’s day-to-day and intertwining troubles provide a comforting indie-film blanket for the audience, reminiscent of any coming-of-age story where the hero endures minor mishaps while escaping the unbearable. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025 They are each flanked by a best friend: Lowe is saddled with a nearly unbearable James Belushi, while Moore gets prickly Elizabeth Perkins as her former roommate. Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025 Don’t wait until your hay fever becomes unbearable, though. Maggie Horton, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unbearable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbearable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unbearable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbearable. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unbearable

adjective
un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈbar-ə-bəl How to pronounce unbearable (audio)
ˈən-,
-ˈber-
: greater than can be borne
unbearable pain
unbearably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unbearable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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