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Insufferable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insufferable

[ɪnˈsʌfərəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

person

Too extreme to bear; intolerable; insupportable; unbearable; as, insufferable heat.

Synonyms

intolerable, unbearable, unbearable, unendurable, unsupportable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insufferable

Best used to describe someone or something intolerably annoying or arrogant.

  • His insufferable arrogance made it difficult to work with him
  • The heat in the office today was insufferable
intolerable

Used to describe something that cannot be endured or accepted, often associated with extreme discomfort or pain.

  • The noise from the construction site was intolerable
  • The heat wave has made living conditions intolerable
unbearable

Appropriate for situations or sensations that are extremely difficult to withstand, often related to physical or emotional pain.

  • The pain after the surgery was unbearable
  • The breakup left her in unbearable sadness
unendurable

Similar to 'unbearable,' often used in more formal contexts to describe extreme discomfort or hardship that cannot be sustained.

  • The harsh conditions in the prison were unendurable
  • The unendurable pressure from work made him quit
unsupportable

Used to emphasize that a situation or condition cannot be maintained or upheld, often related to financial or emotional strain.

  • The financial burden from the medical bills was unsupportable
  • Her unsupportable behavior was causing issues in the team

Examples of usage

  • The insufferable arrogance of the celebrity made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The insufferable pain in her back made it impossible for her to sit for long periods of time.
Context #2 | Adjective

situation

Not to be endured; intolerable; unbearable; as, insufferable pain.

Synonyms

intolerable, unbearable, unbearable, unendurable, unsupportable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insufferable

Best used to describe something or someone extremely annoying or unpleasant, to the point it is hard to endure. Often has a slightly exaggerated, negative connotation.

  • Her insufferable arrogance made it impossible to work with her.
  • The insufferable heat made everyone irritable.
intolerable

Applied to situations or actions that are so unpleasant or bad that they cannot be accepted or endured. It can be used in formal contexts.

  • The noise from the construction was intolerable.
  • Their behavior was completely intolerable.
unbearable

Used when describing something too painful, annoying, or extreme to be tolerated or endured. Commonly used in everyday language.

  • The pain was absolutely unbearable.
  • The heat in the room was unbearable.
unendurable

Used to express that something is too difficult or unpleasant to withstand or tolerate. Often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • The grief was unendurable after the loss of his friend.
  • The harsh conditions made survival unendurable.
unsupportable

Describes something that cannot be justified or defended, often used in argumentative or critical contexts. Negative connotation.

  • His reasoning was completely unsupportable.
  • The argument presented was unsupportable.

Examples of usage

  • The insufferable conditions in the refugee camp led to an urgent need for aid.
  • The insufferable smell in the room made it impossible to stay inside.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often find insufferable traits in others to be related to arrogance or excessive self-importance.
  • Studies show that individuals who are described as insufferable can negatively affect group dynamics and social interactions.
  • Understanding insufferable behaviors may help in managing relationships and one's emotional reactions.

Literature

  • Famous literary characters, like Miss Havisham from 'Great Expectations', are often described as insufferable due to their stubbornness.
  • The term frequently appears in character analyses where individuals' extreme traits lead to self-isolation and conflict.
  • Writers use 'insufferable' to depict a character's flaws, often making them less relatable and more comical or tragic.

Pop Culture

  • In reality TV, contestants are often labeled insufferable when they exhibit over-the-top drama or egocentrism.
  • Many comedic shows use 'insufferable' characters to create humor through their exaggerated annoying qualities.
  • The term has gained traction in social media discussions to describe difficult personalities, showing its relevance in modern vernacular.

Philosophy

  • The concept of suffering is deeply explored in philosophical texts, often contrasting insufferable experiences with joy or contentment.
  • Philosophers argue that experiencing insufferable situations can lead to personal growth and resilience.
  • Discussions on tolerance highlight the struggle between enduring insufferable circumstances and the quest for happiness.

Origin of 'insufferable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin root 'insufferabilis', meaning 'that cannot be endured'.
  • It combines 'in-' (not) and 'sufferable' (able to be endured), creating a strong sense of discomfort.
  • The term has been in use in English since the late 14th century, indicating long-standing negative connotations.

The word 'insufferable' has its origins in the Latin word 'insufferabilis,' which is a combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'sufferabilis' meaning 'bearable.' Over time, the term evolved to its current usage in English to describe something that is intolerable or unbearable.

See also: insufferably, suffer, sufferer, sufferers, suffering, suffrage.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,709, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.