# intolerant

/ˌɪnˈtɑɫɝənt/ (US) · /ɪntˈɒləɹənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intolerant
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. prejudiced or narrow-minded

adjective · CEFR B2

not willing to accept ideas, religions, or ways of behaving that are different from your own.

For teachers: unwilling to tolerate contrary opinions, beliefs, or social practices; exhibiting narrow-mindedness or prejudice.

- The local community was unfortunately intolerant of any new ideas regarding the park.
- The regime became increasingly intolerant of dissent, eventually banning all independent media outlets and public demonstrations.

Usage: often followed by the preposition 'of'.

### 2. unable to digest

adjective · CEFR B2

unable to eat a certain food or medicine without getting sick.

For teachers: physiologically unable to digest or process a specific substance without adverse effects.

- Since he is lactose intolerant, he has to use almond milk in his coffee.
- Patients who are intolerant to statins may require alternative therapies to manage their cholesterol levels effectively.

Usage: usually follows the noun it describes or appears after 'to'.

### 3. a bigoted person

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who refuses to accept other people's beliefs or ways of life.

For teachers: a person who is narrow-minded or bigoted toward those with differing opinions or backgrounds.

- The author argued that we must not let the intolerants control the public debate.
- History often remembers the great reformers, but it also records the fierce opposition they faced from the religious intolerants of their day.

## Examples

- He is lactose intolerant and avoids drinking milk.
- Patients who are intolerant to standard antibiotics may require a more specialized treatment plan to avoid severe side effects.
- The study examines how a society becomes increasingly intolerant of dissenting voices during periods of economic instability and heightened nationalistic sentiment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.