intolerable
UK: ɪnˈtɒlərəbl | US: ɪnˈtɑːlərəbl
adj. impossible to endure; unbearable
adj. excessively bad or unpleasant
The word "intolerable" originates from Latin intolerabilis, combining in- (a negative prefix meaning "not") + tolerare ("to endure") + -abilis (a suffix indicating capability). The root tolerare also gives us "tolerate" and "tolerance." Over time, "intolerable" evolved in Middle English to describe something so extreme or unpleasant that it cannot be endured. The morphemes preserve their original Latin logic: "not" + "endure" + "able to be," forming a clear, memorable structure.
The heat in the desert was intolerable without shade.
She found his constant complaints intolerable.
The pain from the injury became intolerable after a few hours.
The noise from the construction site was intolerable for the residents.
His arrogance made him intolerable to work with.