ungovernable

adjective

un·gov·ern·able ˌən-ˈgə-vər-nə-bəl

Synonyms of ungovernable

: not capable of being governed, guided, or restrained

Choose the Right Synonym for ungovernable

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of ungovernable in a Sentence

The people there seemed almost ungovernable. a handful of ungovernable students are disrupting the learning environment for everyone else

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.

But obviously the Senate has been a little ungovernable on this issue and a few others. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 The question that could cut through all of this is whether UEFA follows through with its threat of a boycott and non-cooperation, both of which could make FIFA ungovernable for Infantino. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 While founder control is cited for long-term vision, the piece suggests alternative models like steward-ownership could foster accountability without sacrificing strategic focus, urging regulators to adapt to this new era of concentrated, potentially ungovernable corporate power. — Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 The vampiric Goldman Sachs that Taibbi describes is an institution, a system that became too big to fail, and thus ungovernable. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ungovernable

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ungovernable was in 1673

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

ungotten

ungovernable

ungovernableness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ungovernable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ungovernable. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ungovernable

adjective

un·gov·ern·able ˌən-ˈgəv-ər-nə-bəl

: not capable of being governed, guided, or controlled

an ungovernable temper

ungovernable

adjective

Synonyms of ungovernable

Examples of ungovernable in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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