intolerance

[in-tol-er-uhns]

noun

1. lack of tolerance; unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect opinions or beliefs contrary to one's own.

2. unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect persons of a different social group, especially members of a minority group.

3. incapacity or indisposition to bear or endure.

   intolerance to heat.

4. abnormal sensitivity or allergy to a food, drug, etc.

5. an intolerant act.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intolerance¹

From the Latin word intolerantia, dating back to 1755–65. See intolerant, -ance

Example Sentences

Yousaf, who became Scotland's first Asian and Muslim first minister in 2023, said "intolerance" had permeated both the public and political space.

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Plant-based milks, despite existing for millennia, rose to global popularity amid the 21st century due to growing concerns of lactose intolerance and the environmental impacts of dairy.

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The Food Standards Agency said earlier it recognised there were a significant number of foods that could cause allergies or intolerances.

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“Symbols of hate like the swastika are not simply relics of history, they remain dangerous reminders of violence and intolerance,” Senior Deputy Dist.

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She suffers from gluten intolerance and said she could no longer find food she could eat.

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Related Words

• bigotry 
• prejudice