# tolerable

/ˈtɑɫɝəbəɫ/ (US) · /tˈɒləɹəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tolerable
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

good enough to be accepted, even if it is not perfect or great. You use this to describe something that is okay or that you can handle without too much trouble.

For teachers: capable of being endured or accepted; moderately good or satisfactory. Often used to describe conditions or qualities that are adequate but lack excellence.

## Examples

- The weather was tolerable, so we decided to walk to the park.
- While the hotel room was small and basic, the cleanliness made the stay tolerable for a single night.
- The administration implemented several minor reforms to make the working conditions more tolerable, though the staff continued to advocate for more substantial structural changes.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'remain'.

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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.