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adjective Uncommon

intolerable

ihn-TO-luh-ruhbl

Intolerable (adjective) means Too unpleasant, painful, or extreme to be endured. Example: “The heat in the factory was intolerable by midday.”

adjective
1
Too unpleasant, painful, or extreme to be endured.
"The heat in the factory was intolerable by midday."
"His constant complaining became intolerable."

How to use intolerable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo bad or extreme that it can't be put up with any longer.

Common pairings
intolerable conditions intolerable pain become intolerable

Word forms

more intolerable comparative, most intolerable superlative

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The heat in the factory was _____ by midday.

Etymology

From Latin intolerabilis, from in- ("not") plus tolerabilis ("bearable").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for intolerable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “intolerable” mean?

The word “intolerable” means too unpleasant, painful, or extreme to be endured. In plain terms, so bad or extreme that it can't be put up with any longer.

How do you pronounce “intolerable”?

“Intolerable” is pronounced ihn-TO-luh-ruhbl (/ɪnˈtɑləɹəbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “intolerable” in a sentence?

Here is “intolerable” used in a sentence: “The heat in the factory was intolerable by midday.”

What part of speech is “intolerable”?

“Intolerable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “intolerable” come from?

The word “intolerable” comes from Latin. From Latin intolerabilis, from in- ("not") plus tolerabilis ("bearable").

Is “intolerable” a common word?

“Intolerable” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial