INSUFFERABLE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does insufferable mean? 

• INSUFFERABLE (adjective)
  The adjective INSUFFERABLE has 2 senses:

1. unbearably arrogant or conceited

2. too extreme to bear

  Familiarity information: INSUFFERABLE used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INSUFFERABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Unbearably arrogant or conceited

Context example:

insufferable insolence

Similar:

intolerable; unbearable; unendurable (incapable of being tolerated or endured)

Derivation:

insufferably (in an extremely arrogant or conceited manner)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Too extreme to bear

Synonyms:

insufferable; unsufferable

Context example:

the insufferable heat of August in a New York apartment with no air conditioning

Similar:

intolerable; unbearable; unendurable (incapable of being tolerated or endured)

Derivation:

insufferably (to an insufferable degree)

 Context examples 

How? Well, by his insufferable rudeness and impossible behavior.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

While he was so dull, it was no wonder that Harriet should be dull likewise; and they were both insufferable.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

His insufferable smile was more complacent than ever.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He absurdly insisted upon my addressing him as Mr. Mugridge, and his behaviour and carriage were insufferable as he showed me my duties.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

His voice was hoarse; his look that of a man who is just about to burst an insufferable bond and plunge headlong into wild license.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Isabella, on hearing the particulars of the visit, gave a different explanation: It was all pride, pride, insufferable haughtiness and pride!

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Meanwhile we can thank our lucky fate which has rescued us for a few short hours from the insufferable fatigues of idleness.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Assistance is impossible; condolence insufferable.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Ten couple, in either of the Randalls rooms, would have been insufferable!

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

There is one sentence in it, however—namely: 'I protest strongly against the insufferable and entirely dogmatic assertion that each separate id is a microcosm possessed of an historical architecture elaborated slowly through the series of generations.'

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)