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

That impatience seemed to grow this offseason, as the Yankees only made a few external additions of the project variety while re-signing a handful of players from last year’s club, which got knocked around by the Blue Jays in the ALDS. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026

The rush to hire the right candidate is only outpaced by the rush to fire him, as the combination of impatience from ownership and organizational disarray is often far too much for any one person to overcome. —Jeff Howe, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026

Darnold said the only way to conquer the impatience of outside perception is to grind through it. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026

The eclipse in your sign accelerates your reinvention process, but impatience can trigger unnecessary conflict. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 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