tolerance

noun

tol·​er·​ance ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s How to pronounce tolerance (audio)
ˈtäl-rən(t)s
1
: capacity to endure pain or hardship : endurance, fortitude, stamina
2
a
: sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own
b
: the act of allowing something : toleration
3
: the allowable deviation from a standard
especially : the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension in machining a piece
4
a(1)
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (such as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
also : the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
(2)
: relative capacity of an organism to grow or thrive when subjected to an unfavorable environmental factor
b
: the maximum amount of a pesticide residue that may lawfully remain on or in food

Examples of tolerance in a Sentence

a tolerance for other lifestyles The plants have a high tolerance for heat. Some patients gradually develop a tolerance for the drug and need to be given a larger dose. Some patients develop greater tolerance for the drug's effects.
Recent Examples on the Web Kimmel, who has inherited from Billy Crystal, Bob Hope and Johnny Carson the mantle of go-to Oscars host, is a reliable, relatable, noncontroversial presence liable to stir no controversy in a venue that has a low tolerance for controversy. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 All are intermediate to St. Augustine and bermuda in their tolerance of shade. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 Optimize Bet Size: Adjust your bet size according to your budget and risk tolerance. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Risk tolerance assessment involves evaluating your financial situation, investment experience, and emotional response to potential losses. True Tamplin, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 A lot will depend on your risk tolerance, of course, but the planner will consider other factors, such as your family situation and your plans for covering long-term care costs. Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2024 Aligning all the connections properly means the chip must be diced to much greater tolerances than is needed for microbump technologies. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Feb. 2024 All of these methods, by repeatedly lengthening muscles and boosting our tolerance for the discomfort, can improve flexibility. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024 Bali has a reputation for tolerance and welcomes visitors from all over the world. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tolerance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tolerance was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tolerance

Cite this Entry

“Tolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tolerance

noun
tol·​er·​ance ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s How to pronounce tolerance (audio)
1
a
: ability to put up with something harmful or unpleasant
b
: the ability to adjust to a food or drug so that its effects are experienced less strongly
2
: sympathy for or acceptance of feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from one's own

Medical Definition

tolerance

noun
tol·​er·​ance ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s How to pronounce tolerance (audio)
1
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
2
: the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen

More from Merriam-Webster on tolerance

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