Tolerable: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is not perfect but you can live with it; it's neither good nor very bad.

• The heat in the room was tolerable after opening the windows
• The pain from the injury was tolerable after taking some medicine

Emphasizes that although a situation is difficult or uncomfortable, it is possible to endure it.

• The long wait at the airport was made bearable by the free Wi-Fi
• The pain after the surgery was bearable with the help of medication

Focusing on the idea of withstanding something over time, especially with potential emotional or physical hardship.

• The harsh conditions of the desert were hardly endurable
• The grief from her loss was endurable only with the support of her friends

Appropriate for formal situations where something meets the minimum standard but is not necessarily great.

• The essay's quality was acceptable, but it could use some improvements
• The levels of pollution in the city are within acceptable limits

Indicates that something meets expectations sufficiently but is not exceptional; often used in formal or evaluative contexts.

• The service at the restaurant was satisfactory
• The student's performance on the test was satisfactory, but not outstanding

Use when something is not great but you can bear with it.

• The pain is tolerable with some painkillers
• The weather is tolerable for the hike

Use when something meets minimum standards or criteria.

• Your project is acceptable but needs some improvements
• The dress code for the event is casual but neat clothes are acceptable

Use when something is within one’s control or capabilities.

• The workload is manageable if you stay organized
• With proper training, the complexity of the new software is manageable

Use when something is barely adequate, often in terms of performance or quality.

• The soup is passable, but I've had better
• His performance was passable, but it lacked excitement

Use when referring to something difficult but that one can still withstand.

• The long wait at the airport was endurable with a good book
• The noise from the construction site is endurable during the daytime