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

Goat milk does have lactose and isn’t suitable for people with lactose intolerance. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 2 Nov. 2024

Which is better comes down to personal preference: some love the soft hand of natural fibers, but even the most advanced, small-micron merino wool material can make someone with a wool intolerance miserable. —Nathan Pipenberg, Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024

The cause of fructose intolerance depends on the specific type. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 1 Nov. 2024

An intolerance for difference in some people pushes the child away more, further isolating them. —Jothy Rosenberg, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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