What does intolerably mean?
Intolerably is an adverb meaning “to an extent that cannot be tolerated.” It is commonly used to describe conditions that are not merely unpleasant but are experienced as impossible to endure, such as intolerable heat, pain, rudeness, or delay. The word can also mark conduct or circumstances as so extreme that they are unacceptable by ordinary standards. It is more formal and emphatic than everyday alternatives such as “really” or “extremely,” and it often appears with adjectives describing physical discomfort, interpersonal behaviour, or inefficiency. Its ending, “-ly,” connects it to the adjective “intolerable,” while its meaning ultimately derives from the idea of tolerating or enduring something. Although “unbearably” is a close synonym, “intolerably” can convey a stronger sense of a limit being crossed, especially when describing something that falls short of acceptable or tolerable limits.
adverbTo an extent that cannot be tolerated or endured; unacceptably or unbearably.
- To a degree that cannot be tolerated or endured.
"The heat in the crowded bus was intolerably uncomfortable."
"The speaker's rhetoric was intolerably aggressive for a formal meeting."
"She found the noise intolerably loud and left the room."
Intolerably turns a tolerable annoyance into a limit that cannot reasonably be endured.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intolerably come from?
The adverb “intolerably” was formed in the early 19th century from the adjective “intolerable,” which was based on the Latin root “tolerare,” meaning “to bear” or “endure.” The related English word “tolerate” entered usage in the early 16th century and reflects the same Latin source. Cognates in other European languages include French “intolérable” and Spanish “intolerable,” all sharing the Latin sense of bearing or enduring.
Related word forms
How intolerably is actually used
This word is relatively formal and emphatic. It is often used with adjectives such as “hot,” “painful,” “rude,” “boring,” or “slow,” and can express a stronger degree than “unbearably” in contexts involving discomfort or unacceptable conduct.
Easily confused with intolerably
“Intolerable” is an adjective describing something that cannot be tolerated, while “intolerably” is an adverb describing the degree to which a condition or action is unacceptable.