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

Since being diagnosed with a number of maladies over the years, including hypothyroidism, leaky gut and a gluten intolerance, McCarthy has been on a quest to put better things not only in her body but on her body. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

In a related phenomenon, many people in East Asia have an intolerance to alcohol caused by a genetic variation that came about relatively recently during the period of rice domestication. —Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026

Limited evidence shows that a low-histamine diet can improve symptoms of histamine intolerance and other conditions linked to histamine release, such as chronic urticaria. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 4 Jan. 2026

Ironically, this episode increases the report’s credibility by demonstrating the academy’s intolerance for conflicts of interest. —Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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