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
Examples of intolerance in a Sentence
a group whose mission is to oppose intolerance and extremism
Recent Examples on the Web
Unintentional weight loss, shakes and tremors, heart palpitations, and heat intolerance are among some of the telltale signs of hyperthyroidism, says Dr. Erik Alexander, MD, the chief of the thyroid section at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
—
Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Routine digestion issues often develop with a disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a food intolerance or allergy, or an infection.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
The good news: While individual tolerances to dairy foods can vary, certain lower-lactose dairy products, like hard cheeses and yogurts, can help keep lactose intolerance symptoms at bay.
—Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Lactose intolerance, for example, occurs in people who lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose sugar molecule found in both raw and pasteurized milk.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intolerance 
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Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Routine digestion issues often develop with a disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a food intolerance or allergy, or an infection.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
The good news: While individual tolerances to dairy foods can vary, certain lower-lactose dairy products, like hard cheeses and yogurts, can help keep lactose intolerance symptoms at bay.
—Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Lactose intolerance, for example, occurs in people who lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose sugar molecule found in both raw and pasteurized milk.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intolerance
Dictionary Entries Near intolerance
Cite this Entry
“Intolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intolerance. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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