Intolerable: meaning, definitions and examples

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intolerable

 

[ ɪnˈtɒlərəb(ə)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

unbearable

Not able to be tolerated or endured; unbearable.

Synonyms

insupportable, unbearable, unendurable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intolerable

When something is so bad that you cannot accept or endure it any longer, often used in formal or serious situations.

  • The noise from the construction site was intolerable
  • The situation became intolerable for the refugees
unbearable

Used in everyday language to express that something is so unpleasant or painful that you cannot stand it.

  • The heat was unbearable during the summer
  • Her grief was almost unbearable after the loss
unendurable

Mostly used in literary contexts to talk about situations or conditions that are impossible to tolerate, often emphasizing physical or emotional suffering.

  • The pain was unendurable for the wounded soldier
  • Their living conditions were unendurable during the war
insupportable

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe something that cannot be justified or endured, usually speaking about an argument, condition, or situation.

  • The teacher found his behavior insupportable
  • The financial burden became insupportable for the family

Examples of usage

  • It was intolerable to sit in the stuffy room for hours.
  • The intolerable heat made it impossible to go outside.
Context #2 | Adjective

unacceptable

Not acceptable or allowable.

Synonyms

inexcusable, unacceptable, unjustifiable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intolerable

Used when describing something that cannot be endured or tolerated any longer, often involving pain, discomfort, or conditions.

  • The heat in the desert was intolerable
  • His loud chewing was intolerable to his coworkers
unacceptable

Used to express something that is not satisfactory or allowable according to certain standards or expectations, can be both actions and situations.

  • Lateness to meetings is unacceptable
  • The quality of the product is unacceptable
unjustifiable

Used when something lacks a valid reason or excuse and cannot be defended. Often refers to actions or decisions.

  • Stealing from the company is unjustifiable
  • The government's action was unjustifiable
inexcusable

Used when referring to behavior or actions that cannot be justified or forgiven. Often relates to mistakes or misconduct.

  • The student's rude comment was inexcusable
  • The driver's reckless behavior was simply inexcusable

Examples of usage

  • His behavior towards his colleagues was intolerable.
  • The decision to cut funding was simply intolerable.

Translations

Translations of the word "intolerable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intolerável

🇮🇳 असहनीय

🇩🇪 unerträglich

🇮🇩 tak tertahankan

🇺🇦 нестерпний

🇵🇱 nieznośny

🇯🇵 耐えられない

🇫🇷 intolérable

🇪🇸 intolerable

🇹🇷 dayanılmaz

🇰🇷 참을 수 없는

🇸🇦 لا يُطاق

🇨🇿 nesnesitelný

🇸🇰 neznesiteľný

🇨🇳 难以忍受

🇸🇮 neznosljiv

🇮🇸 óþolandi

🇰🇿 төзімсіз

🇬🇪 უძლური

🇦🇿 dözülməz

🇲🇽 intolerable

Etymology

The word 'intolerable' originated from the Latin word 'intolerabilis', which means 'not to be borne'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe situations or behaviors that are unbearable or unacceptable. The concept of intolerance has been a part of human societies throughout history, with individuals and groups often showing an unwillingness to tolerate certain beliefs, practices, or conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,767 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.