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

For instance, Mars in Aries injects you with explosive momentum, but its shift into Taurus (May 18) — followed by intense pressure from Pluto (May 25) — sheds light on where impatience, control issues or fear of loss is sabotaging your progress. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026

My time in the cave and, now, beneath this night sky showed me the price of my impatience with the mystery. —Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026

Around 15 years ago, Robert Gates, the Secretary of Defense in the Obama Administration articulated American impatience with European complacency over international security and gaps in defense funding for NATO. —Ivan Krastev, Time, 21 Jan. 2026

But there is a difference between accountability and impatience, and right now the balance is tilted too far in the wrong direction. —Mike Straw, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 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