1 intolerance | Definition of intolerance

intolerance

noun
in·​tol·​er·​ance | \ (ˌ)in-ˈtäl-rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio) , -ˈtä-lə-\

Definition of intolerance

1 : the quality or state of being intolerant
2 : exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug) specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance

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Examples of intolerance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thousands and thousands of young Americans already voted with their lives to ensure that this same message of intolerance, death and destruction would not prevail. Eric Heisig, cleveland.com, "Ohio U.S. attorney to white nationalists: You have a ‘right to be on the losing end of this argument’," 30 Aug. 2019 Thousands and thousands of young Americans already voted with their lives to ensure that this same message of intolerance, death and destruction would not prevail. Ray Sanchez, CNN, "A top federal prosecutor in Ohio just sent a harsh message to white supremacists," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intolerance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of intolerance

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for intolerance

intolerance

noun
in·​tol·​er·​ance | \ in-ˈtä-lə-rəns How to pronounce intolerance (audio) \

Kids Definition of intolerance

1 : the quality or state of being unable or unwilling to put up with an intolerance to bright light
2 : a reluctance to grant rights to other people religious intolerance

intolerance

noun
in·​tol·​er·​ance | \ (ˈ)in-ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio) \

Medical Definition of intolerance

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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