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.
For others who worked on the show, the experience became unbearable. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025 For some of us, the onscreen versions will become unbearable. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 Inside, the place that had been so hot as to be nearly unbearable on that morning 50 years ago was mostly empty, and the air-conditioning was cranked high enough to give me goose bumps. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025 When Leonora slumps against tins of asparagus tips and white peaches in her larder, the moment of collapse is close to unbearable. Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unbearable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbearable. Accessed 22 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!