absolute intolerance

USAGE SUMMARY

"absolute intolerance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a complete lack of acceptance or patience for certain behaviors, beliefs, or practices. An example: "The organization has a policy of absolute intolerance towards discrimination." Alternative expressions include "zero tolerance" and "complete intolerance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Absolute intolerance is always a sign of uncertainty and panic.

The New York Times

The church views abortion as the murder of innocents and thus as an absolute evil, so "absolute intolerance" is not an inappropriate response.

The New York Times

STEVEN BERKOWITZ New York, May 20 , 2012To the Editor: Maureen Dowd writes, "Absolute intolerance is always a sign of uncertainty and panic".

The New York Times

Chocolate had become a wholly different food — a mass-market global confection — because a way had been found to make it with milk, previously impossible, owing to the fats' absolute intolerance of anything with water in it.

The New Yorker

When Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, talks of "bad-mouthing other people's religion," he ought to look to his own country, where mullahs preach absolute intolerance toward all religions except Islam and where the public practice of other religions is strictly banned by the prince's government.

The New York Times

But on a range of issues, his patience, stubbornness and absolute intolerance of dissent may be paying off.He owes his new lease on political life to the incompetence or fatigue of his enemies, to clever diplomatic footwork and to lucky circumstances.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Every show on Broadway teaches the same lesson, points to the same moral: that difference is good, that individuality is to be celebrated, that tolerance is an absolute virtue and intolerance a source of misery; that immigrants get the job done.

The New Yorker

Germany has become reunited and is the beacon of Europe, all within the life of a generation, that went from the rhetoric of the Nazis to the integration of a highly diverse continent, and yes, one that had a long history of wars, intolerance, absolute rulers and genocide.

Huffington Post

Failing to deal with that fact only provides an increasing number of social bandits and zealots with the fodder to pursue their agendas of hate, intolerance and absolute truth.

The New York Times

Intolerance is intolerable.

Huffington Post

While many Christian churches act as a supportive shill for America's government, and peddle more propaganda about Israel than politicians, the truth exposing the absolute epitome of ignorance and intolerance enveloping America was revealed June 9, 2010 in an episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, for which he deserves a Pulitzer Prize.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absolute intolerance", ensure the context clearly defines what is not being tolerated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "absolute intolerance of discrimination" rather than just "absolute intolerance."

Common error

Avoid using "absolute intolerance" in contexts where some level of flexibility or understanding is necessary. Overly strict application can stifle creativity and constructive dialogue. Remember to consider nuances before labeling it as "absolute intolerance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolute intolerance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a strong negative stance or policy. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolute intolerance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a complete lack of acceptance or patience. As Ludwig demonstrates, this phrase appears most commonly in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions of social issues, policies, and personal stances. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register and should be used judiciously, as overgeneralization can be a common pitfall. Consider using alternatives like "complete lack of tolerance" or "zero tolerance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, while "absolute intolerance" is a correct and usable phrase, careful consideration of context is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete lack of tolerance

Emphasizes the absence of tolerance, similar to "absolute intolerance" but using different wording.

zero tolerance

A common idiom indicating no acceptance of certain behaviors or beliefs.

utter lack of acceptance

Focuses on the absence of acceptance rather than tolerance specifically.

total rejection

Highlights the act of refusal and dismissal, differing from tolerance.

uncompromising opposition

Suggests resistance and firm disagreement, rather than simply a lack of tolerance.

rigid disapproval

Emphasizes the strict and unyielding nature of the disapproval.

inflexible stance

Highlights the rigidity of the position taken, not directly about tolerance.

dogmatic belief

Focuses on the unwavering conviction in one's own beliefs.

unwavering conviction

Similar to 'dogmatic belief', stressing the firmness of one's beliefs.

intransigence

Implies stubbornness and unwillingness to compromise, more general than tolerance.

FAQs

How can I use "absolute intolerance" in a sentence?

You can use "absolute intolerance" to describe a complete lack of acceptance for something. For example: "The company has an "absolute intolerance" for any form of harassment."

What's a more formal way to say "absolute intolerance"?

A more formal way to express "absolute intolerance" could be "complete lack of tolerance" or "unwavering opposition."

What's the difference between "zero tolerance" and "absolute intolerance"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of acceptance, "zero tolerance" is often used in policies or formal regulations, whereas "absolute intolerance" can be used more broadly to describe a personal or organizational attitude.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "absolute intolerance"?

It's appropriate to use "absolute intolerance" when describing a firm and uncompromising rejection of certain behaviors, beliefs, or practices. Make sure that you really want to refuse something at all before using it.