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

To me, that’s a sign of growing self-assurance, not intolerance. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Lactose is a type of sugar in butter and other dairy products that is difficult to digest in people with lactose intolerance. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025

The rising intolerance that results erodes social cohesion, undermines support for democratic norms and weakens trust in institutions. —Andrew Rojecki, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025

The poll also found widespread misunderstanding about how common lactose intolerance is. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 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