intolerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intolerable' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe something that is too difficult or unpleasant to be accepted or endured. Example sentence: The noise of the construction outside my window was becoming increasingly intolerable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Cameron was more emollient, writing in his reply to Warsi's letter that he realised "this must not have been an easy decision for you to make", and adding: "I understand your strength of feeling on the current crisis in the Middle East – the situation in Gaza is intolerable".

The Guardian

"I think the situation created by the current Russian Football Union management is intolerable," Usmanov said.

The Guardian - Sport

Terry!" She grabbed a mop to damp down the heat, but the air outside was scorching, and intolerable.

The Guardian

Councils say there will be a £4.3bn shortfall by 2020 and the effect of this on those most in need is simply intolerable.

The Guardian

— Helen Razer (@HelenRazer) May 11, 2014 I remember when this song competition was genuinely intolerable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Those demands tend to mean they have to radically simplify life in a way most of us would find completely intolerable.

The Guardian

The west started a bombing campaign after its citizens were beheaded last year in Iraq – the images of these crimes were intolerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you possess even the most rudimentary bullshit radar, these next few weeks are going to be genuinely intolerable.

The Guardian

In hard economic times, it is intolerable for directors of energy companies to draw huge bonuses while their customers go cold because they cannot afford to pay the bills.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If we can instill the belief that it is intolerable that any woman should die even in the most remote village," explains Arrowsmith, "then strategies can be put into place where local people look to maximise the effectiveness of any resource in getting a woman help when she desperately needs it".

The Guardian

"Intolerable sabotage" ran the headline on the front of this morning's Marca.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "intolerable"; while widely understood, more nuanced synonyms might be appropriate in formal or sensitive communications.

Common error

Avoid using "intolerable" for minor inconveniences. It's a strong word, so reserve it for situations that genuinely cause significant distress or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "intolerable" functions primarily to describe something that is unbearable or cannot be endured. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it modifying nouns related to situations, conditions, and behaviors deemed unacceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Intolerable" is a commonly used adjective that describes something unbearable or unacceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and consistent usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. While grammatically correct, it's best reserved for situations genuinely causing significant distress and not for minor inconveniences. Related terms include "unbearable", "unacceptable", and "insufferable", offering nuanced alternatives based on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unbearable

Emphasizes the inability to endure something due to its overwhelming nature.

unacceptable

Highlights that something does not meet the required standards or norms.

insufferable

Suggests that something is extremely annoying or difficult to bear.

unendurable

Focuses on the inability to withstand something, often due to pain or hardship.

not to be tolerated

States directly that something should not be allowed or accepted.

past bearing

Indicates that something has exceeded the limit of what can be tolerated.

out of bounds

Implies that something is beyond what is considered acceptable or permissible.

inadmissible

Refers to something that cannot be allowed or accepted, especially in a formal setting.

beyond the pale

Signifies that something is completely unacceptable or outrageous.

more than one can bear

Expresses that something exceeds the limit of a person's ability to cope.

FAQs

How to use "intolerable" in a sentence?

Use "intolerable" to describe something that is too unpleasant, painful, or annoying to be endured. For example, "The level of noise in the city has become "intolerable"".

What can I say instead of "intolerable"?

You can use alternatives like "unbearable", "unacceptable", or "insufferable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "intolerable suffering" or "unbearable suffering"?

Both "intolerable suffering" and "unbearable suffering" are correct, but "unbearable" often emphasizes the emotional or physical pain more intensely.

What's the difference between "intolerable" and "untenable"?

"Intolerable" refers to something that is difficult or impossible to endure, while "untenable" describes a situation or position that cannot be defended or maintained.