impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio)
Synonyms of impatiencenext
: 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.
Bruce elevated her legs on a life jacket and wiped away the tears while two flight attendants stared down at her with vacant impatience. Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 Trump repeatedly publicly praised and defended Bondi but also showed flashes of impatience with his attorney general’s efforts to meet his demands to prosecute his rivals. Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Trump repeatedly publicly praised and defended Bondi but also showed flashes of impatience with his attorney general's efforts to meet his demands to prosecute his rivals. Arkansas Online, 2 Apr. 2026 Welcome to the dog days of an offseason filled with restlessness and impatience. Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026 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 8 Apr. 2026.

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

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