adjective
Common
controlling
kuhn-TROH-lihng
Controlling (adjective) means trying to dominate or dictate other people's behavior. Example: “My uncle can be quite controlling about how everyone loads the dishwasher.”
adjective
1
Trying to dominate or dictate other people's behavior.
"My uncle can be quite controlling about how everyone loads the dishwasher."
"Nobody enjoyed working for such a controlling manager who questioned every small decision."
"Her controlling boyfriend checked her phone every night."
noun
1
The act of directing or managing something.
"The controlling of the school budget now falls to a small committee."
"Careful controlling of the heating keeps our bills down in winter."
"The controlling of traffic during rush hour is a constant challenge."
How to use controlling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWanting to dominate and dictate others, or the act of managing something.
Common pairings
controlling behavior
controlling interest
controlling personality
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Word forms
- Plural
- controllings
- Comparative
- more controlling
- Superlative
- most controlling
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My uncle can be quite _____ about how everyone loads the dishwasher.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for controlling
See all rhymes for controlling →Frequently asked questions
What does “controlling” mean?
The word “controlling” means trying to dominate or dictate other people's behavior. In plain terms, wanting to dominate and dictate others, or the act of managing something.
How do you pronounce “controlling”?
“Controlling” is pronounced kuhn-TROH-lihng (/kənˈtɹoʊlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “controlling” in a sentence?
Here is “controlling” used in a sentence: “Her controlling boyfriend checked her phone every night.”
What part of speech is “controlling”?
Depending on how it is used, “controlling” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “controlling” a common word?
“Controlling” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “controlling” have?
“Controlling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: trying to dominate or dictate other people's behavior.
What is the difference between 'controlling' and 'assertive'?
Being assertive means expressing your own needs and opinions clearly while respecting others. Being controlling means trying to dominate or dictate other people's behaviour. Assertiveness stays within your own boundaries, whereas controlling behaviour crosses into managing what others do.
What is the difference between 'controlling' and 'manipulative'?
A controlling person tries to dominate or dictate others' behaviour, often openly. A manipulative person influences others through indirect, deceptive or emotional tactics. Controlling behaviour is usually more direct, while manipulation works by hidden persuasion, though the two often overlap.
What is the difference between 'controlling' and 'managing'?
'Managing' means organizing and directing something in a balanced, responsible way. 'Controlling', applied to people, suggests going further and trying to dominate their behaviour. The noun sense of 'controlling' can simply mean directing or managing, but as an adjective for a person it usually carries a negative tone.
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