is intolerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is intolerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, behavior, or condition that is unacceptable or unbearable. Example: "The noise from the construction site is intolerable, making it difficult for me to concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intolerance is intolerable.

Huffington Post

"That is intolerable".

The New York Times

"It is intolerable".

The New Yorker

The situation is intolerable.

Independent

That to me is intolerable.

The New York Times

And this is intolerable.

The New Yorker

The first plan is intolerable.

The New York Times

It is intolerable," she said.

The Guardian

To him, stasis is intolerable.

The New York Times

But massive inequality is intolerable.

The Guardian - Business

Nothing in "Paterson" is intolerable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider whether a synonym like "is unacceptable" or "is unsustainable" might be more appropriate, depending on the specific context. "Is intolerable" can sometimes sound overly dramatic in professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "is intolerable" too frequently, as it can weaken the impact of your writing. Reserve it for situations that truly warrant strong disapproval and consider using milder alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is intolerable" functions primarily as a predicative adjective, describing a subject as being unbearable or unacceptable. It serves to express a strong negative judgment. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is intolerable" is a strong expression used to convey that something is unbearable or unacceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct phrase that frequently appears in news and media, but also has relevance in formal business and scientific contexts. When using "is intolerable", it's important to consider the strength of the statement and whether a milder synonym like "is unacceptable" or "cannot be tolerated" might be more appropriate for the specific context. Reserve it for situations where strong disapproval is warranted to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unacceptable

This alternative is a more general term for not being allowed or approved of.

cannot be tolerated

This alternative uses a passive construction to convey the same meaning of not being acceptable.

is unbearable

This emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of enduring something.

is insufferable

This suggests that something is extremely unpleasant or annoying.

is unendurable

This highlights the inability to put up with something any longer.

is inadmissible

This suggests that something is not allowed or acceptable, often in a formal context.

is indefensible

This means that something cannot be justified or defended.

is unsustainable

This indicates that something cannot be maintained at the current rate or level.

is outrageous

This suggests that something is shocking or morally unacceptable.

is appalling

This means that something is shocking and very unpleasant.

FAQs

What does "is intolerable" mean?

The phrase "is intolerable" means that something is unbearable, unacceptable, or cannot be tolerated. It expresses a strong feeling of disapproval or that a situation is impossible to endure.

What are some alternatives to "is intolerable"?

You can use alternatives like "is unacceptable", "is unbearable", or "cannot be tolerated" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

How do I use "is intolerable" in a sentence?

You can use "is intolerable" to describe a situation, behavior, or condition that is unacceptable. For example: "The level of noise in this apartment is intolerable" or "Such behavior is intolerable and will not be tolerated."

Is "is intolerable" formal or informal?

"Is intolerable" is generally considered a strong and somewhat formal expression. While it can be used in various contexts, consider whether a milder or more specific alternative might be more appropriate depending on the audience and purpose. For instance, "is unacceptable" might be better suited for a business setting.