impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being impatient

Synonyms of impatience

• enthusiasm
• thirst
• excitement
• hunger
• appetite

Examples of impatience in a Sentence

the child's impatience for Christmas morning is engaging

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump has praised Ukraine’s battlefield progress and promised Kyiv military assistance, while voicing impatience with Netanyahu over their diverging interests in the Iran conflict. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026

Decisions made out of fatigue or impatience tend to come back at the worst possible time. — Janet M Harvey, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

As the day progresses, Mercury retrograde will meet with Mars in a semi-square, increasing nervous tension and impatience in communication. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Black Americans and birthright citizenship Jackson’s opinion registers her impatience with such an exclusion. — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impatience

• patience

Kids Definition

impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˈ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s 

1

: lack of patience

2

: restless or eager desire