tolerance

noun

tol·​er·​ance ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s How to pronounce tolerance (audio)
ˈtäl-rən(t)s
1
: capacity to endure pain or hardship : endurance, fortitude, stamina
2
a
: sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own
b
: the act of allowing something : toleration
3
: the allowable deviation from a standard
especially : the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension in machining a piece
4
a(1)
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (such as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
also : the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
(2)
: relative capacity of an organism to grow or thrive when subjected to an unfavorable environmental factor
b
: the maximum amount of a pesticide residue that may lawfully remain on or in food

Examples of tolerance in a Sentence

a tolerance for other lifestyles The plants have a high tolerance for heat. Some patients gradually develop a tolerance for the drug and need to be given a larger dose. Some patients develop greater tolerance for the drug's effects.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Columnar varieties like those in the Pillar® Series are perfect for deck containers, with a narrow upright habit, long bloom period, and excellent heat tolerance. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2025 The goal of the scientific questionnaire is to assess how respondents align with 20 different values, among them caring, tolerance, humility, achievement, and self-direction. Jordan Loewen-Colón, Harvard Business Review, 2 May 2025 Women’s football, both recently and historically, has made tolerance, community and acceptance a vital part of its identity, particularly in the face of establishment authority and gender policing. Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Regular adjustments help keep your portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and goals. Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tolerance

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tolerance was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Tolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

tolerance

noun
tol·​er·​ance ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s How to pronounce tolerance (audio)
1
a
: ability to put up with something harmful or unpleasant
b
: the ability to adjust to a food or drug so that its effects are experienced less strongly
2
: sympathy for or acceptance of feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from one's own

Medical Definition

tolerance

noun
tol·​er·​ance ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s How to pronounce tolerance (audio)
1
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
2
: the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen

More from Merriam-Webster on tolerance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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