patience

noun

pa·​tience ˈpā-shən(t)s 

1

: the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient

2

chiefly British : solitaire sense 2

Synonyms

• forbearance
• long-suffering
• sufferance
• tolerance

Examples of patience in a Sentence

To be a biographer is a somewhat peculiar endeavor. It seems to me it requires not only the tact, patience, and thoroughness of a scholar but also the stamina of a horse. —Nancy Milford, Vanity Fair, August 2001

… in this time of bioethical conundrums, it is good to know that patience, good will, and personal morality will untie far more intellectual knots than the disarray of rancor, conflict, and special interests … —Sherwin B. Nuland, New Republic, 13 Dec. 1999

Mind-numbing delays and irrelevant search results are enough to try the patience of the most saintly Web surfers. —Neil Gross et al., Business Week, 14 June 1999

After a while, their ideological certitudes tried the patience of their own peoples … —Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., New Yorker, 16 Nov. 1992

I don't have the patience to wait in line for hours just to buy a ticket.

Investors need to have patience. The economy will improve soon.

She treated her students with great patience and humor.

I don't have the patience to do crossword puzzles.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bring your appetite — the plate is piled with thin noodles in a garlic, white wine, and tomato sauce, under a layer of Maine lobster meat, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese — and patience since there’s usually a line out the door for a coveted bar seat. —Jillian Dara, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024

More likely perhaps than strangulation, which would require strength, stamina, patience. —Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

His swing, pitch selection and patience are apparently still works in progress. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2024

Buckle up, because identifying your most flattering colors might take time, patience and a crash course in style history. —Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024

For most aspiring artists, getting work onto the walls of prominent museums takes time, patience and talent. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Apr. 2024

But patience also paid off, as in the case where, after three years of filming wild horses, the team captured an unexpected fight between two rival stallions, providing dramatic bonus footage. —Liza Foreman, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024

Sticking with the plan will be a test of Washington’s patience. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024

Anyone with the patience and wherewithal to ask a question, has. —Alex Edelman, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see patient entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing patience

• at the end of one's patience
• have the patience of a saint
• lose patience
• reached the end of my patience
• run out of patience
• stretch someone's patience
• the patience of a saint
• try someone's patience

Kids Definition

patience

noun

pa·​tience ˈpā-shən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being patient