intolerance

noun

in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˌ)in-ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio)
-ˈtäl-rən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being intolerant
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug)
specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance

Examples of intolerance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s also one important caveat: Michelle’s husband has an intolerance to alliums like garlic, onion, and shallots, which form the base of flavor in many French dishes. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 29 Feb. 2024 So yes, intolerance on campuses today is a real concern. David Cole, The New York Review of Books, 15 Feb. 2024 Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to secondary lactose intolerance. Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2024 Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk and milk products. Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2024 Supplementing with lactase enzyme helps prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024 Attorneys argue that the non-dairy surcharge is not only a federal violation, but also of several state anti-discrimination laws given that lactose intolerance and milk allergies are considered disabilities. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 Strict gluten-free diets are a medical necessity for certain people, like those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance—but for the average person, does going gluten-free have any real health benefits? Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Health, 24 Jan. 2024 The bullies are spreading a culture that’s intolerant of food intolerance. Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intolerance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intolerance was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near intolerance

Cite this Entry

“Intolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intolerance. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intolerance

noun
in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being intolerant
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug or food)

Medical Definition

intolerance

noun
in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio)
1
: lack of an ability to endure
an intolerance to light
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a food or drug)
specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance
glucose intolerance

More from Merriam-Webster on intolerance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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