tolerance

noun

tol·​er·​ance ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s 

ˈtäl-rən(t)s

1

: capacity to endure pain or hardship : endurance, fortitude, stamina

2

a

: sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own

b

: the act of allowing something : toleration

3

: the allowable deviation from a standard

especially : the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension in machining a piece

4

a(1)

: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (such as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure

developed a tolerance to painkillers

also : the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen

(2)

: relative capacity of an organism to grow or thrive when subjected to an unfavorable environmental factor

b

: the maximum amount of a pesticide residue that may lawfully remain on or in food

Synonyms

• forbearance
• long-suffering
• patience
• sufferance

Examples of tolerance in a Sentence

a tolerance for other lifestyles

The plants have a high tolerance for heat.

Some patients gradually develop a tolerance for the drug and need to be given a larger dose.

Some patients develop greater tolerance for the drug's effects.

Recent Examples on the Web

That includes investment goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. —Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) diagnoses prediabetes and diabetes. —Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025

One’s interest in any of these answers depends on a tolerance for corn and patience until the musical numbers. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025

Animal tranquilizers enhance the user’s euphoric high from opioids, particularly in those who have developed a tolerance to the opioid. —C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tolerance

• cross-tolerance
• self-tolerance
• zero tolerance

Rhymes for tolerance

• intolerance

Kids Definition

tolerance

noun

tol·​er·​ance ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s 

1

a

: ability to put up with something harmful or unpleasant

b

: the ability to adjust to a food or drug so that its effects are experienced less strongly

2

: sympathy for or acceptance of feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from one's own

Medical Definition

tolerance

noun

tol·​er·​ance ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s 

1

: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure

developed a tolerance to painkillers

2

: the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen