adjective
Uncommon
tolerable
TO-luh-ruhbl
Tolerable (adjective) means Able to be endured or put up with; bearable. Example: “The heat was tolerable as long as we stayed in the shade.”
adjective
1
Able to be endured or put up with; bearable.
"The heat was tolerable as long as we stayed in the shade."
"His level of noise complaints became barely tolerable by the third week."
2
Acceptable but not impressive; passable or mediocre.
"The food at the new café was tolerable, nothing more."
How to use tolerable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that can be put up with, or that's just okay rather than great.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "tolerable" (able to be endured, or just okay) with "tolerant" (accepting of others' views or behaviour).
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more tolerable
- Superlative
- most tolerable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The heat was _____ as long as we stayed in the shade.
Etymology
From Middle French "tolerable," from Latin "tolerābilis."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
insufferable
insupportable
intolerable
nonsurvivable
nontolerable
unabideable
unbearable
unendurable
Related words
Rhymes for tolerable
See all rhymes for tolerable →Frequently asked questions
What does “tolerable” mean?
The word “tolerable” means able to be endured or put up with; bearable. In plain terms, something that can be put up with, or that's just okay rather than great.
How do you pronounce “tolerable”?
“Tolerable” is pronounced TO-luh-ruhbl (/ˈtɑləɹəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “tolerable” in a sentence?
Here is “tolerable” used in a sentence: “The heat was tolerable as long as we stayed in the shade.”
What is another word for “tolerable”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tolerable” include abideable, bearable, endurable, livable, portable and sufferable.
What is the opposite of “tolerable”?
The opposite of “tolerable” — its antonyms — are insufferable, insupportable, intolerable, nonsurvivable and nontolerable.
What part of speech is “tolerable”?
“Tolerable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “tolerable” come from?
The word “tolerable” comes from Latin. From Middle French "tolerable," from Latin "tolerābilis.".
Is “tolerable” a common word?
“Tolerable” is an uncommon word in modern English.
