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Definition of ungovernable

ungovernable

/ʌnˈɡʌv.ɚ.nə.bəl/
un · gov · ern · a · ble
Adverb:ungovernably
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ungovernable Lexical Profile

ungovernable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Impossible or extremely difficult to control, restrain, or regulate.

Example

"He struggled to suppress an ungovernable temper during the heated debate."

2

Incapable of being effectively ruled or administered by a government or political authority.

Example

"The fractured coalition left the country virtually ungovernable for months."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ungovernable

• Nearby Words

unglue
unglued
ungodly
ungovernable
ungoverned
ungraceful
ungracefully

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 15th century, formed from the prefix 'un-' (not) attached to 'governable', which derives via Old French from the Latin 'gubernare', meaning 'to steer a ship' or 'to direct'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ungovernable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ungovernable
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