Sufferance

usgb/ˈsʌfrəns/
noun

Tolerating or allowing a situation to happen, even though you might not want it.

The manager tolerated his employee's late arrival on the condition of his sufferance.
Visual representation of "sufferance" - Tolerating or allowing a situation to happen, even though you might not want it.

Often appears as...

  • on sufferance
  • condition of sufferance

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "sufferance"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Reluctant Acceptance

Used when someone allows something they don't agree with but chooses not to stop it.

Illustration for Reluctant Acceptance
He lived with his aunt, but only on sufferance, as she didn't really want him there.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Imposed Patience

Reflects a sense of imposed patience for actions or behaviors that are just tolerated.

Illustration for Imposed Patience
She works here on sufferance; her presence is barely tolerated by her colleagues.
Word comparison image

Compare with

enduranceforbearanceindulgencepatiencepermissionpermissivesubmissiontolerance
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Visual representation of the word "Sufferance"

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