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 of intolerance

• 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

Both parents regularly complete 'Whole 30'—an elimination diet to reduce cravings and identify possible food intolerances—and already prepared most of their own meals, so extending these principles to their daughter felt natural. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

Seventy-eight percent believe that intolerance of others is a problem affecting the country. —Salma Al-Shami, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025

Rather than join in the bitter denunciations raging between Protestants and Catholics, Castellio condemned intolerance itself. —Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025

People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance must avoid foods that contain wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 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