Insupportable: meaning, definitions and examples

😫
Add to dictionary

insupportable

 

[ˌɪnsəˈpɔːtəb(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of something being unbearable

Not able to be endured or tolerated; unbearable.

Synonyms

intolerable, unacceptable, unbearable, unendurable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
insupportable

This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe something that cannot be tolerated or accepted because it is excessively burdensome or painful.

  • The insupportable heat made it impossible to stay outside for long
unbearable

This word is primarily used to describe something extremely painful or difficult to endure, often related to emotional or physical pain. It is common in everyday speech.

  • The heat during the summer months can be unbearable
intolerable

This word is suitable for describing something that is too bad, painful, or annoying to be accepted or endured. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • The noise from the construction site was intolerable
unendurable

Similar to 'unbearable,' but used more frequently in literary or formal contexts to emphasize the extremity of the situation. It implies something that cannot be endured at all.

  • The tension in the room was unendurable
unacceptable

Use this word when something does not meet certain standards or expectations, often in a formal or professional setting. It carries a connotation of disapproval.

  • His behavior at the meeting was completely unacceptable

Examples of usage

  • The pain was insupportable and she could barely stand it.
  • The noise from the construction site was insupportable, making it impossible to concentrate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'insupportabilis', where 'in-' means 'not' and 'supportare' means 'to support'.
  • First usage in English dates back to the 15th century, indicating longstanding challenge in tolerability.
  • The construction mirrors other words in English where 'in-' negates, like 'invisible' or 'incredible'.

Legal Context

  • In legal situations, conditions that are insupportable can lead to claims such as divorce on grounds of unreasonable behavior.
  • Insupportable evidence can result in legal cases being dismissed or thrown out of court.
  • In some jurisdictions, insupportable facts can compel judges to intervene in family or civil matters.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss the concept of insupportable beliefs, which are ideas that lack adequate justification.
  • In ethics, an insupportable action might be one that cannot be ethically defended under scrutiny.
  • Some existentialist thinkers explore insupportable feelings as part of the human condition.

Pop Culture

  • The term frequently appears in literature to describe unbearable situations or characters' emotions.
  • In films, insupportable scenarios drive plots where characters must face overwhelming odds.
  • Music lyrics sometimes reference insupportable feelings to express themes of heartbreak or despair.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, feeling insupportable can lead to stress and anxiety, prompting individuals to seek help.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy often addresses insupportable thoughts that hinder mental well-being.
  • Support systems are crucial in helping people cope with insupportable life events, like loss or trauma.

Translations

Translations of the word "insupportable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insuportável

🇮🇳 असहनीय

🇩🇪 unerträglich

🇮🇩 tak tertahankan

🇺🇦 нестерпний

🇵🇱 nie do zniesienia

🇯🇵 耐えられない (taerarenai)

🇫🇷 insupportable

🇪🇸 insoportable

🇹🇷 dayanılmaz

🇰🇷 참을 수 없는 (chameul su eomneun)

🇸🇦 لا يطاق (la yutāq)

🇨🇿 nesnesitelný

🇸🇰 neznesiteľný

🇨🇳 无法忍受的 (wúfǎ rěnshòu de)

🇸🇮 neznosen

🇮🇸 óþolandi

🇰🇿 шыдамсыз

🇬🇪 მიუღებელი (miughebel)

🇦🇿 dözülməz

🇲🇽 insoportable

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,159, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.