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

They screamed loud and clear that speaking out against intolerance was the worst, most unacceptable form of intolerance itself — and would not be tolerated.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The various infections, electrolyte imbalances and medication intolerances weakened her to the point of collapse.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The rising intolerance that results erodes social cohesion, undermines support for democratic norms and weakens trust in institutions.

Read more on Salon

Politically speaking, the former British colony is hardly different from the Chinese mainland in its intolerance of dissenters and antigovernment speech.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bigotry 
• prejudice