adjective
intolerant
Unable to tolerate a particular substance or physical condition.
My sister is lactose intolerant, so she drinks lactose-free milk.
Etymology
Latin tolerare means to bear or endure. The negative adjective describes a body unable to bear a particular substance or condition without ill effects.
More examples
- These ferns are intolerant of dry air.
- She is intolerant of heat and avoids going outside on hot days.
- Some patients are intolerant of even small doses of this drug.
Forms
intolerant
intolerance noun — Inability to tolerate a substance or physical condition.
Similar words
- sensitive
- Suggests reacting readily, not necessarily being unable to tolerate something.
- allergic
- Specifically involves an immune reaction, rather than any physical intolerance.