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

Trouble with lactose intolerance tends to begin in adulthood, when our bodies gradually makes less lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. —Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024

The meteoric rise in cases of gluten allergy and intolerance over the last 30 years is hardly surprising, given that today’s wheat is nothing like that of our ancestors. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024

The issue arose when certain batches were found to contain milk that wasn't disclosed on the packaging—a critical oversight for consumers with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

In addition, the Mayo Clinic explains that milk allergies and milk intolerance are a little different from each other. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 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