impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio)
: the quality or state of being impatient

Examples of impatience in a Sentence

the child's impatience for Christmas morning is engaging
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire next month in the country’s war against Ukraine, as President Trump signals a growing impatience with the Russian leader’s reluctance to agree to a deal to end the three-year war. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025 They may be frustrated at the pace of change, but chalk that up to the impatience of youth. Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 Traditional edibles often left users waiting for up to two hours to feel the effects, leading to impatience and, sometimes, overconsumption. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025 His physical appearance isn’t like mine, but his general impatience, his philosophy is probably closer to mine than the other characters in that book. Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impatience

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impatience was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impatience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impatience. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

impatience

noun
im·​pa·​tience (ˈ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio)
1
: lack of patience
2
: restless or eager desire

More from Merriam-Webster on impatience

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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