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 of intolerance

• bigotry
• prejudice
• dogmatism
• sectarianism
• illiberality
• narrow-mindedness
• illiberalism
• bias
• partisanship

Examples of intolerance in a Sentence

a group whose mission is to oppose intolerance and extremism

Recent Examples on the Web

This explains why my breakdown happened during perimenopause along with the unfortunate timing of a lactose intolerance diagnosis (bye-bye, calcium-rich dairy). — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2026

This consistent intolerance and hatred was on full display recently at a women's soccer match in Portland. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

During the late 2010s, a new generation of activists took the helm, concerned about intolerance toward Afro-Brazilian religions and growing Christian nationalism, and some started to more vocally criticize the Bolsonaro administration. — John Thomas Iii, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

In a study published in 2019, Kendall and his colleagues showed that the more a child’s uncertainty intolerance was reduced by treatment, the more their anxiety fell and their ability to function improved. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intolerance

• food intolerance

Rhymes for intolerance

• tolerance

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