Definition

Adverb: * To an extreme degree that is difficult or impossible to endure or tolerate.

Usage

• Modifies Adjectives: "Unbearably" is used to intensify an adjective, describing a quality that has reached an intolerable level.
  • The pain was unbearably sharp.
  • She found the suspense unbearably exciting.
• Modifies Verbs (less common): It can modify verbs related to states of being or feeling.
  • He suffered unbearably.
  • The child was crying unbearably.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Unbearably + Positive Adjective": Can be used for ironic or hyperbolic emphasis, suggesting an overwhelming intensity of a typically positive quality.
  • She was unbearably kind, always going out of her way for everyone. (This implies her kindness was so constant and intense it could feel overwhelming.)
  • The dessert was unbearably delicious. (Hyperbolic way to say it was extremely delicious.)

Variants and Related Words

• Unbearable (adjective): Impossible to endure or tolerate.
  • The heat was unbearable.
• Bearable (adjective): Able to be endured.
  • The pain was severe but bearable.
• Intolerably (adverb): Synonym, meaning to an intolerable degree.
• Excruciatingly (adverb): Synonym, often used for physical or emotional pain, meaning in an intensely painful manner.

Synonyms

• Intolerably
• Excruciatingly
• Insufferably
• Unendurably

Antonyms

• Bearably
• Tolerably
• Acceptably

Adverb

1. to an unbearable degree
   • it was unbearably hot in the room