unbearable

UK: ʌnˈbeərəbl | US: ʌnˈberəbl

Definition

  1. adj. too painful, unpleasant, or difficult to accept or endure

  2. adj. (informal) extremely annoying or disappointing

Structure
un <not>bear <endure>able <capable of>
Etymology

The word "unbearable" combines three morphemes:

  1. "un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negating the root.
  2. "bear" (Old English "beran"), meaning "to carry" or "endure," evolving from physical carrying to metaphorical endurance.
  3. "-able" (Latin "-abilis" via Old French), a suffix meaning "capable of."

Originally, "bear" referred to carrying physical weight (e.g., "bear a burden"). Over time, it expanded to emotional endurance (e.g., "bear pain"). Adding "un-" and "-able" created the modern sense of "incapable of being endured." The logic reflects a shift from literal to abstract resistance.

Examples

  1. The heat in the desert was unbearable without water.

  2. She found his constant complaints unbearable.

  3. The loss of her pet was emotionally unbearable.

  4. The noise from the construction site became unbearable by noon.

  5. His arrogance made him unbearable to work with.