impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio)
: the quality or state of being impatient

Examples of impatience in a Sentence

the child's impatience for Christmas morning is engaging
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Owner Stephen Ross at 85 should officially lead the league in impatience. Greg Cote july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025 Executives struggled to navigate Gwyneth’s impatience and perfectionism. Liz McNeil, People.com, 16 July 2025 But in recent weeks, Trump has expressed impatience with Putin as U.S. efforts to secure a Russia-Ukraine peace deal haven't gained traction. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 12 July 2025 Yes, there were disputes over Confederate monuments and America’s sins versus America’s promise, but there was also a palpable impatience with history, as if people were afraid of its power to bog you down. Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impatience

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impatience was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impatience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impatience. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

impatience

noun
im·​pa·​tience (ˈ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio)
1
: lack of patience
2
: restless or eager desire

More from Merriam-Webster on impatience

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