Intolerable
/ɪnˈtɒlərəbəl/
Definitions
So bad or unpleasant as to be impossible to accept or endure.
/ɪnˈtɒlərəbəl/
Impossible to endure or accept
The noise from the construction site was intolerable.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to listen to loud construction noise for hours. If you can't stand it, it's intolerable. It's like something you just can't put up with.
👶 For kids: When something is so yucky or annoying that you just can't take it anymore, it's intolerable!
More Examples
The conditions in the refugee camp were considered intolerable.
Her arrogance made her behavior truly intolerable.
How It's Used
"The heat was intolerable."
"The patient reported intolerable pain."
"The government's policies were seen as intolerable by the protesters."
Idioms & expressions
make oneself intolerable
To behave in a way that makes others dislike you or unable to stand being around you.
"His constant complaints and negativity made him intolerable to his colleagues."
From Late Latin intolerabilis, from in- 'not' + tolerare 'to bear, endure'.
The word has been used since the 16th century to describe things that are difficult or impossible to bear.
Memory tip
Think of a situation you absolutely can't STAND. This word describes that feeling.
Practice
Word Origin
Prefix: in- (not)