intolerance
noun
in·tol·er·ance
(ˌ)in-ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s 
-ˈtäl-rən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being intolerant
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug)
specifically
: inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance
Examples of intolerance in a Sentence
a group whose mission is to oppose intolerance and extremism
Recent Examples on the Web
Ethanol or acetaldehyde sensitivity In people with alcohol intolerance, the body lacks the enzyme ALDH2 needed to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Time, 22 July 2025
For people with serious lactose intolerance, eating a heavily cheesy meal before bed could lead to bad dreams and sleep disturbances, a new study found.
—Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 1 July 2025
Key Takeaways New research suggests lactose intolerance can cause nightmares, possibly because of symptoms like stomachache that disrupt sleep.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 1 July 2025
Taken together, the researchers’ results indicated that lactose intolerance was related to nighttime gastrointestinal discomfort, poor sleep, and nightmares.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intolerance
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Lauryn Higgins, Time, 22 July 2025
For people with serious lactose intolerance, eating a heavily cheesy meal before bed could lead to bad dreams and sleep disturbances, a new study found.
—Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 1 July 2025
Key Takeaways New research suggests lactose intolerance can cause nightmares, possibly because of symptoms like stomachache that disrupt sleep.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 1 July 2025
Taken together, the researchers’ results indicated that lactose intolerance was related to nighttime gastrointestinal discomfort, poor sleep, and nightmares.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intolerance
Cite this Entry
“Intolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intolerance. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intolerance
noun
in·tol·er·ance
(ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being intolerant
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug or food)
Medical Definition
intolerance
noun
in·tol·er·ance
(ˈ)in-ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s
1
: lack of an ability to endure
an intolerance to light
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a food or drug)
specifically
: inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance
glucose intolerance
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