What does intolerable mean?
Intolerable is a formal adjective meaning too severe, unpleasant, difficult, or unacceptable to be tolerated. It is used for pain and suffering, oppressive conditions, unreasonable demands, and behavior that violates basic standards. In social and political contexts, it can describe conduct or treatment that is considered fundamentally unacceptable rather than merely inconvenient. The word is closely related to “tolerate” and “tolerance,” but its own meaning is more absolute: it marks a point beyond what can reasonably be endured or accepted. “Unbearable” is a common alternative, especially for physical discomfort, while “intolerable” often sounds more formal and may describe a wider range of severe conditions or moral and social problems.
adjectiveToo extreme, severe, or unpleasant to be tolerated. It describes conditions, experiences, or behaviors that cannot be accepted or endured.
- Too extreme, severe, unpleasant, or painful to be tolerated.
- Unable to be accepted or allowed, especially in social, moral, or political contexts.
"The heat inside the packed bus became intolerable within minutes."
"The delay was intolerable, and many passengers demanded an explanation."
"The committee condemned the government's treatment of dissent as intolerable."
From “tolerate,” intolerable means so far beyond what someone can bear that it cannot be accepted or endured.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intolerable come from?
“Intolerable” comes from Latin intolerabilis, formed from in-, meaning “not,” and tolerare, “to endure” or “tolerate.” It entered English in the 16th century through French and initially referred to something that could not be endured. Its modern uses retain the central sense of exceeding the limits of human endurance, patience, or moral acceptance.
Related word forms
How intolerable is actually used
The word is formal and strongly negative. It is commonly used with conditions, pain, behavior, treatment, and conduct, where it indicates that a limit has been exceeded.
Easily confused with intolerable
“Intolerable” describes a situation or condition that cannot be endured, whereas “intolerant” usually describes a person who lacks patience or acceptance for something.