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
• 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

The short film, commissioned and distributed by WePresent, won the Academy Award for best live action short film in 2022 and served as a meditation on belonging and rising intolerance. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

Regulatory action has been particularly noteworthy in the areas of data governance, cybersecurity and reporting, reflecting regulators’ growing intolerance for control failures, lapses in digital risk management and procedural missteps across sectors. —Nosa Omoigui, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

The test identifies over 120 allergens, including food intolerances, environmental triggers, and household irritants. —Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

If the Giants front office feels compelled to demonstrate an intolerance for the status quo, performative or not, then the simplest and most common method that underachieving teams employ is to fire the manager. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025

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