The noun TOLERANCE has 5 senses: 1. the power or capacity of an organism to tolerate unfavorable environmental conditions. 2. a disposition to allow freedom of choice and behavior. 3. the act of tolerating something. 4. willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others.5. a permissible difference; allowing some freedom to move within limits. Familiarity information: TOLERANCE used as a noun is common.. willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others. 5. a permissible difference; allowing some freedom to move within limits. Familiarity information: TOLERANCE used as a noun is common.