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
Examples of intolerance in a Sentence
a group whose mission is to oppose intolerance and extremism
Recent Examples on the Web
Ironically, this episode increases the report’s credibility by demonstrating the academy’s intolerance for conflicts of interest.
—
Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
Gestational diabetes, defined by the University as a form of glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy, carries pregnancy risks and can increase the chance of future diabetes and heart disease for both the mother and her baby.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
High amounts of whey may cause bloating and gas, especially in those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity.
—Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
What motivates a seemingly once-brilliant person who appeared to share my values (as an artist, a writer, a thinker), to double, triple down on intolerance?
—Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intolerance
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Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
Gestational diabetes, defined by the University as a form of glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy, carries pregnancy risks and can increase the chance of future diabetes and heart disease for both the mother and her baby.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
High amounts of whey may cause bloating and gas, especially in those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity.
—Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025
What motivates a seemingly once-brilliant person who appeared to share my values (as an artist, a writer, a thinker), to double, triple down on intolerance?
—Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intolerance
Cite this Entry
“Intolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intolerance. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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