intolerable

[ in-tol-er-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not tolerable; unendurable; insufferable:

   intolerable pain.

   Synonyms: insupportable, unbearable

   Antonyms: endurable

2. excessive.

intolerable

/ ɪnˈtɒlərəbəl /

adjective

1. more than can be tolerated or endured; insufferable
2. informal.
   extremely irritating or annoying

Derived Forms

• inˌtoleraˈbility, noun
• inˈtolerably, adverb

Other Words From

• in·toler·a·bili·ty in·toler·a·ble·ness noun
• in·toler·a·bly adverb
• quasi-in·toler·a·ble adjective
• quasi-in·toler·a·bly adverb
• super·in·toler·a·ble adjective
• super·in·toler·a·ble·ness noun
• super·in·toler·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intolerable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word intolerābilis. See in- ³, tolerable

Example Sentences

Government supporters argue police have come under intolerable attack from stones and fireworks.

From BBC

Most recently, Spain and Austria have legalised assisted dying for both terminal illness and intolerable suffering.

From BBC

The defence minister in Italy, which contributes more than 1,000 troops to Unifil, said the incidents were "intolerable" and must be "carefully and decisively avoided".

From BBC

The head of the Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key, said he was "truly sorry" and that such behaviour was "intolerable".

From BBC

In a joint statement, they said the hostilities were "intolerable" and presented an "unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation" that was neither in the interest of the people of Israel or Lebanon.

From BBC

Related Words

• extreme
• impossible
• painful
• unbearable