out of control

/aʊt əv kənˈtroʊl/
phraseIntermediate
informal

Unable to be controlled or managed; chaotic or uncontrollable.

The children were out of control at the party.

The children were behaving wildly and could not be managed.

The fire spread out of control.

The fire grew uncontrollably and could not be stopped.

💡

Often used to describe situations, people, or events that have become chaotic or uncontrollable.

Collocations

get out of controlto become uncontrollablego out of controlto become chaotic or uncontrollable

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

lose controlphrase
to fail to manage or regulate something
in controlphrase
able to manage or regulate something

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

This phrase is often used to describe situations that have become chaotic or uncontrollable, such as a party, a fire, or a person's emotions.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Use 'out of control' to describe situations, people, or events that are chaotic or uncontrollable. Avoid using it to describe inanimate objects that cannot be controlled by nature.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the preposition 'out of' with the adjective 'control,' emphasizing a lack of regulation or management.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe situations, people, or events that have become chaotic or uncontrollable. It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotions or behaviors that are difficult to manage.

Word Breakdown

out of
indicates a lack or absence of
prepositional phrase
+
control
the ability to manage or regulate something
noun
English Dictionary