ungovernable
/ʌn'gʌvənəbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Impossible to control or restrain; not capable of being governed or managed. - This describes a person, emotion, or situation that is wild, unruly, and defies all attempts at control or discipline.
Usage
The adjective "ungovernable" is used to describe a state of being beyond control. It is a formal word often applied to strong emotions, rebellious individuals, or chaotic situations. - It typically precedes a noun (e.g., an ungovernable temper) or follows a linking verb like "be" or "become" (e.g., The mob became ungovernable). - It implies a complete lack of response to authority, rules, or attempts to impose order.
Examples
- After the controversial decision, the crowd's anger was ungovernable.
- She struggled with ungovernable impulses that often got her into trouble.
- The country descended into ungovernable chaos after the revolution.
Advanced Usage
- "Ungovernable rage/fury": An intense, uncontrollable anger.
- The betrayal filled him with an ungovernable rage.
- "Render something ungovernable": To cause a system or place to become impossible to manage.
- The widespread corruption rendered the province virtually ungovernable.
Variants and Related Words
- Ungovernability (noun): The quality or state of being ungovernable.
- The ungovernability of the region forced the government to intervene.
- Ungoverned (adjective): Not governed; lacking control or regulation.
- The ungoverned territory became a haven for outlaws.
Synonyms
- Uncontrollable: Incapable of being controlled.
- Unruly: Disorderly and disruptive; not submitting to discipline.
- Rebellious: Defying authority or control.
- Intractable: Hard to control or deal with; stubborn.
- Wild: Uncontrolled or unrestrained, especially in behavior.
Antonyms
- Governable: Capable of being governed or controlled.
- Docile: Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.
- Tractable: Easy to control or influence.
- Manageable: Able to be controlled or dealt with without great difficulty.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Beyond control: A simpler phrase with a similar meaning to "ungovernable."
- The fire spread, quickly moving beyond control.
- Run amok/riot: To behave in a wild, unruly, and uncontrolled way.
- When the teacher left, the children ran amok.
Adjective
- of persons
- the little boy's parents think he is spirited, but his teacher finds him unruly