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

And catharsis may be what viewers need even more than escape in a world of relentless news about war, intolerance and fractured ideologies. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024

In order to shift norms, new narratives must be crafted that clearly reveal the promise, possibility, and demand for an alternative to intolerance and ideological rigidity. —Manu Meel, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Lactose intolerance symptoms only occur after consuming lactose-containing products. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

Allergic reactions to milk are immune responses to proteins—whey and casein—in the milk, unlike lactose intolerance reactions which produce gut symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal cramping. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 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