adj
ungovernable
Ungovernable (adj) means Impossible to rule or bring under control, as a country or system.
adj
1
Impossible to rule or bring under control, as a country or system.
"While there is no mechanism to force a General Election, the internal wrangling within the Tory party may mean that ultimately the new PM will simply be so exhausted by the chaos that the country becomes ungovernable."
— Christian Wolmar, Some early policy pointers, but we remain in a state of flux (2022)
"But “ungovernable” France is not alone in its bitter, intractable divisions."
— Simon Tisdall, France is not alone in its crisis of political faith – belief in a democratic world is vanishing (2025)
2
So wild or unruly that no one can manage it.
"a man with an ungovernable temper"
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ungovernable.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ungovernable
See all rhymes for ungovernable →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of ungovernable?
"ungovernable" (adj) means impossible to rule or bring under control, as a country or system.
What is another word for ungovernable?
Other words for "ungovernable" include uncontrollable, indocile, unruly.
What is the opposite of ungovernable?
Opposites of "ungovernable" include governable, obedient, docile.
What are the different meanings of ungovernable?
"ungovernable" has 2 main meanings: 1. Impossible to rule or bring under control, as a country or system; 2. So wild or unruly that no one can manage it.
