intolerable

Everyday

1. Intolerable means too bad, painful or annoying to put up with. tree →
2. (formal) Intolerable behaviour is behaviour that will not be accepted at all. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories for heat, noise, pain or unfairness that a character cannot bear; in school rules or news, «intolerable» means «will not be allowed». It tells the reader that a limit has been reached.

Examples

• The heat in the tent was intolerable. tree →
• The noise from the building site became intolerable. tree →
• Bullying is intolerable at our school. tree →
• The pain in his tooth was almost intolerable. tree →
• The waiting felt intolerable. tree →
• The king's taxes were intolerable to the poor. tree →
• Living next to the motorway was intolerable for them. tree →
• "Have you any milk in the house?" he asked; "if so, give me some to drink; my thirst is intolerable." tree →

Note

Opposite: tolerable, bearable. Spelling ends «-able». Do not mix with «intolerant» (not accepting other people or a food).