If you describe a country or region as ungovernable, you mean that it seems impossible to control or govern it effectively, for example because of violence or conflict among the population.
Beset by ethnic strife, the province remains ungovernable.
The country has become virtually ungovernable.
Synonyms: unruly, rebellious, unmanageable, refractory More Synonyms of ungovernable
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
If you describe feelings as ungovernable, you mean that they are so strong that they cannot be controlled.
He was filled with an ungovernable rage.
...ungovernable passions.
Synonyms: uncontrollable, wild, unrestrainable More Synonyms of ungovernable
ungovernable in British English
(ʌnˈɡʌvənəbəl)
adjective
not able to be disciplined, restrained, etc
an ungovernable temper
Derived forms
ungovernableness (unˈgovernableness)
noun
ungovernably (unˈgovernably)
adverb
ungovernable in American English
(ʌnˈgʌvərnəbəl)
adjective
that cannot be governed or controlled; unruly, wild, etc.
Derived forms
ungovernably (unˈgovernably)
adverb
Examples of 'ungovernable' in a sentence
ungovernable
Tex stared down at the scarlet furrow that had appeared on his forearm and was filled with an ungovernable rage.
Butterworth, Michael THE FIVE MILLION DOLLAR PRINCE (1977)
Carmen was ungovernable by nature, but at that stage in her life she was still enmeshed in the cobwebs of `what will people say.
Adair, Tom (Intro) THREE KINDS OF KISSING - SCOTTISH SHORT STORIES (1977)
Too many thoughts, too many emotions, all of them ungovernable.
Colleen McCullough THE THORN BIRDS (1977)
1 (adjective)
Definition
(of a country or area) not able to be effectively governed, esp. because of unrest or violence
The country has become ungovernable.
Synonyms
unruly
It's not good enough just to blame the unruly children.
rebellious
a rebellious and dissident territory
unmanageable
The signs are that indulged children tend to become unmanageable.
refractory
refractory priests who tried to side with the king
2 (adjective)
Definition
(of an emotion) not able to be controlled or restrained
He was filled with an ungovernable rage.
Synonyms
uncontrollable
The situation could become uncontrollable.
wild
The angry crowd became quite wild and agitated.
unrestrainable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of rebellious
Definition
rebelling or showing a tendency towards rebellion
a rebellious and dissident territory
Synonyms
revolutionary,
rebel,
disorderly,
unruly,
turbulent,
disaffected,
insurgent,
recalcitrant,
disloyal,
seditious,
mutinous,
disobedient,
ungovernable,
insubordinate,
insurrectionary
in the sense of refractory
Definition
stubborn or rebellious
refractory priests who tried to side with the king
Synonyms
unmanageable,
difficult,
stubborn,
contentious,
perverse,
unruly,
uncontrollable,
intractable,
wilful,
recalcitrant,
obstinate,
headstrong,
cantankerous,
uncooperative,
stiff-necked,
disobedient,
disputatious,
mulish,
contumacious (literary)
in the sense of unmanageable
Definition
difficult to use, deal with, or control, esp. because it is too big
The signs are that indulged children tend to become unmanageable.