barely tolerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely tolerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is just acceptable or manageable, but not enjoyable or satisfactory. Example: "The service at the restaurant was barely tolerable, leaving us disappointed with our dining experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Prisoners are no longer using an open bathroom, where the smell was barely tolerable.

The New York Times

The "severed web" is a Barely Tolerable Substitute, whose meaning approximates "I love you".

The New Yorker

In the afternoon, winds subside to levels that are barely tolerable.

The New York Times

It is a barely tolerable relationship that I fear I am stuck with.

The New York Times

That was about 18 months ago and I still suffer from post-concussion syndrome, which is barely tolerable.

Harvard University

Free-range chickens are barely tolerable on the floor, which is washable, but I drew the line at furniture.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The Congress found the rule of Mr. Haldeman & Mr. Erlichman-men holding positions not mentioned in the Constitution-barely tolerable when it thought they were exercising their power in accordance with Presidential instructions.

The New Yorker

You'll recognize it because it sounds like yelling into a microphone in an underground tunnel with barely-tolerable feedback… and there's a freight train at the end of the tunnel heading your way.

Vice

His shooting percentage,.321, would barely be tolerable to Tony Gwynn as a batting average.

Los Angeles Times

Under any other conditions, it barely approaches the tolerable.

The New Yorker

Irritating, but just about tolerable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely tolerable", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject is at the lowest level of acceptability, implying potential negative consequences if conditions worsen. For example, "The noise level was barely tolerable, making concentration difficult."

Common error

Avoid using "barely tolerable" to describe situations that are extremely unpleasant. This phrase implies something is just within the range of acceptance, not intensely negative. Use stronger language like "unbearable" or "excruciating" for more severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely tolerable" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that something is at the lowest level of acceptability. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely tolerable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes something as being at the very edge of acceptability. As Ludwig confirms, it's versatile and can be found across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase conveys a sense of minimal acceptance, suggesting discomfort or strain. When writing, ensure that the context aligns with this nuance, avoiding overstatements of negativity. Consider alternatives like "scarcely acceptable" or "just acceptable" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely acceptable

Emphasizes the minimal level of acceptability.

just acceptable

Focuses on the bare minimum required for acceptance.

marginally acceptable

Highlights the small margin by which something is acceptable.

hardly endurable

Stresses the difficulty in enduring the situation.

almost unbearable

Suggests a state close to being not able to be tolerated.

minimally adequate

Highlights the lack of excellence, yet meeting the requirements.

slightly sufferable

Indicates a low degree of tolerance.

narrowly passable

Implies the subject barely meets requirements to be considered 'passable'.

tolerable at best

Adds an emphasis on being only tolerable and nothing better.

within the bounds of acceptability

Indicates something is just within acceptable limits.

FAQs

How can I use "barely tolerable" in a sentence?

You can use "barely tolerable" to describe a situation or condition that is just acceptable or manageable, but not enjoyable. For instance, "The heat was barely tolerable during the summer months".

What are some alternatives to "barely tolerable"?

Some alternatives to "barely tolerable" include "scarcely acceptable", "just acceptable", or "marginally acceptable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "barely tolerable" or "almost intolerable"?

"Barely tolerable" suggests something is within the range of being endured, while "almost intolerable" indicates it is nearing the point of being unbearable. The choice depends on the degree of discomfort or difficulty you want to express.

What's the difference between "barely tolerable" and "just tolerable"?

While both phrases imply a minimal level of acceptance, "barely tolerable" might suggest a greater sense of strain or difficulty in enduring something compared to "just tolerable", which simply indicates something meets the basic requirements for tolerance.