unbearable

adjective

un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈber-ə-bəl 

: not bearable : unendurable

unbearable pain

unbearably

ˌən-ˈber-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of unbearable

• intolerable
• intense
• extreme
• overwhelming
• unendurable
• terrible
• insufferable
• unacceptable
• harsh
• painful

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

Now, the defining image of the death penalty in 2026 is a woman strapped to a gurney, in unbearable agony, being tortured by prison officials tasked with killing her but unable to do so. — Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

When murder escalates from a scheme to action, her secret becomes an unbearable burden to carry. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

The terror is physical entrapment, an unbearable ticking clock with Jay having one hour of oxygen left, alone with his thoughts. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

There is always some lightness, if only to counter the occasionally unbearable weight. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unbearable

• arable
• bearable
• parable
• terrible
• wearable
• repairable

Kids Definition

unbearable

adjective

un·​bear·​able ˌən-ˈbar-ə-bəl 

ˈən-, 

-ˈber-

: greater than can be borne

unbearable pain

unbearably

-blē 

adverb