insufferable
UK: ɪnˈsʌf(ə)rəb(ə)l | US: ɪnˈsʌfərəbəl
adj. too extreme to bear; intolerable
adj. extremely annoying or unpleasant
insufferable = in<not> + suffer<endure> + able<capable of>
- in-: A prefix meaning "not" or "without," derived from Latin.
- suffer: From Latin sufferre ("to bear, endure"), combining sub- ("under") + ferre ("to carry").
- -able: A suffix meaning "capable of," from Latin -abilis.
Etymology Origin:
The word "insufferable" originated in the late 14th century, combining the negative prefix in- with sufferable (itself from suffer + -able). The term literally means "not capable of being endured," reflecting its modern sense of describing something unbearable or excessively irritating. The root suffer originally implied enduring hardship, but over time, insufferable took on a more hyperbolic tone, often used to criticize behavior rather than physical pain.
His arrogance made him insufferable at social gatherings.
The heat was insufferable, forcing everyone indoors.
She found his constant bragging utterly insufferable.
The movie’s insufferable dialogue ruined the experience.
After hours of delays, the passengers grew insufferably impatient.