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

People with lactose intolerance should avoid protein powders made with whey, which comes from milk. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025

Unless you’ve been told by your doctor to avoid eating food with the nutritional profile of ricotta, there’s only one group who should avoid it: those with lactose intolerance. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 9 June 2025

Those with lactose intolerance can also enjoy Publix’s popular ice cream, now available in quart sizes. —Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025

See a Specialist Food intolerances (difficulty digesting certain foods) and some gastrointestinal disorders may cause symptoms of poor gut health. —Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 27 May 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