Word
unbearably
Phoneticsun·bear·ably
US/ənˈbɛɹəbɫi/
UK/ʌnbˈeəɹəbli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. in a way that feels too strong to handle. You use it when heat, pain, sadness or noise feels like too much.
adv. to an intolerable extent; beyond what can be endured. Often intensifies gradable adjectives such as 'hot', 'sad' or 'slow'.
Examples
“The room feels unbearably hot today.”
“The waiting room is unbearably crowded, so we step outside for fresh air.”
“The silence in the house grew unbearably heavy after the argument, pressing on everyone until someone finally spoke.”
Examples
simple
“The room feels unbearably hot today.”
contextual
“The waiting room is unbearably crowded, so we step outside for fresh air.”
complex
“The silence in the house grew unbearably heavy after the argument, pressing on everyone until someone finally spoke.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unbearably” in context.
Verb
01. ache unbearably
“Her legs ached unbearably after the marathon.”
verb + adv
02. become unbearably
“The noise from the building site became unbearably loud.”
linking verb + adv
03. feel unbearably
“The ten-minute wait felt unbearably long.”
linking verb + adv
04. hurt unbearably
“My back hurt unbearably after lifting the boxes.”
verb + adv
05. seem unbearably
“Life without her seemed unbearably empty.”
linking verb + adv
06. suffer unbearably
“Many patients suffer unbearably while waiting for treatment.”
verb + adv
Adjective
07. unbearably arrogant
“He came across as unbearably arrogant in the interview.”
adv + adj
08. unbearably hot
“The small attic room was unbearably hot in August.”
adv + adj
09. become unbearably hot and humid
“By midday the classroom had become unbearably hot and humid.”
10. find it unbearably painful
“After the operation, she found it unbearably painful to walk.”
11. suffer unbearably from grief
“He suffered unbearably from grief after his father's death.”
12. the heat was unbearably intense
“During the heatwave, the heat was unbearably intense at noon.”
Usage
Typically placed directly before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
Pitfall
an unbearable hot day
an unbearably hot day
Use the -ly form before an adjective; 'unbearable' modifies nouns, 'unbearably' modifies adjectives.
Real-World Examples
“But despite Simpson's reputation as "the woman who stole the King", Edward had always found royal duties unbearably tedious.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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