intolerance

noun

in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˌ)in-ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s 

-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

Synonyms

• bigotry
• dogmatism
• illiberalism
• illiberality
• illiberalness
• intolerantness
• narrow-mindedness
• opinionatedness
• partisanship
• sectarianism
• small-mindedness

Examples of intolerance in a Sentence

a group whose mission is to oppose intolerance and extremism

Recent Examples on the Web

It's been found that in people with lactose intolerance, variations in the lactase gene change the protein building blocks (amino acids) of the lactase enzyme produced. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024

Food intolerances are different from food allergies. —Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Researchers suggest that the food-nightmare connection might also be due to physiological factors—poor digestion, disrupted sleep or even food intolerances. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

People with lactose intolerance may experience more gas after eating dairy products, while people with a fructose intolerance likely notice extra gassy symptoms after consuming fructose-containing foods, like fruit juices and honey.5 4. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intolerance

noun

in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rən(t)s 

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 

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