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

Cottage cheese contains nearly 300% more lactose than Greek yogurt, so people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate Greek yogurt but not cottage cheese.98 Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are not appropriate for people following certain dietary patterns, such as vegan and paleo diets. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Mar. 2025

While there, he's met with intolerance and brutality by the local sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy), and his deputies. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025

Hegseth said his rejection from the Biden inauguration is part of a wider problem of intolerance in the military. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Jan. 2025

The paradox of intolerance says the one thing to be intolerant of is intolerance itself. —Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 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