What is the difference between the words 'uncontrollable' and 'involuntary'?

Question

Thank you. =D

Answer 1

The difference in meaning is slight. I'm going to assume that for "involuntary" you don't mean compulsory.

Something involuntary is something that happens, pretty much without you being aware of it. It's something like a twitch. You don't do it intentionally. It just kind of happens.

Something uncontrollable is something that you can't stop from happening. When you can't stop laughing or crying, for example.

There also is a hint at duration here. Generally, something uncontrollable is ongoing, whereas something involuntary does not have that indication.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

I would say that the essential difference is duration. An uncontrollable urge may be a long-lasting condition. I think of a tic or twitch as being involuntary.

Answer 3

Uncontrollable actions occur on their own, and cannot be stopped.
Involuntary actions occur on their own as well, but can be stopped easily.

Breathing is involuntary, but can be ceased. A tornado is uncontrollable, and cannot be stopped.

Answer 4

In a way they are synonyms because when you do something involuntary, you don't do it willingly and uncontrollable is something that you don't have power over... so, they are very similar.