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

Bell has had to battle his own impatience in his rehab, and now wouldn’t be the time to turn back on that. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

In both cases, there is something at once magisterial and leadenly self-regarding about the melancholic rhythms of Cusk’s prose, with its stiff and stately syntax and its utter impatience with the real vagaries of difference. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

Edibles are frequently absorbed unevenly and impatience is one of the most common reasons first-timers end up overdoing it. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

This style of theft, known as distillation, is often driven by impatience, fear of competitive failure, or doubts about one’s own ingenuity. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 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