unbearable

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ʌnˈbɛrəbl/

KK: /ʌnˈbɛrəbəl/

adjective

Definition

Something that is too difficult or painful to endure or tolerate.

Example

The pain from the injury was unbearable, making it hard for him to concentrate.

Conversation

I can't believe how hot it is outside today.

I know! The heat is absolutely unbearable right now.

I was planning to go for a walk, but it's just too much.

Yeah, staying inside with the AC sounds like a much better idea.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

intolerable

insufferable

unendurable

Antonyms

bearable

tolerable

endurable

Root Explanation

Unbearable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "bear" (from Old English "beran", meaning to carry or endure) and "-able" (meaning capable of). The word "unbearable" means not capable of being endured or carried.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') able to be 'endured' ('bear') — that's why we call it unbearable.

Visually Confused Words

unwearable

untearable

unnearable

unhearable

unbarrable

nearable