impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being impatient

Synonyms

• appetite
• ardor
• avidity
• avidness
• desirousness
• eagerness
• enthusiasm
• excitement
• hunger
• keenness
• lust
• thirst

Examples of impatience in a Sentence

the child's impatience for Christmas morning is engaging

Recent Examples on the Web

Investor anxiety has intensified over whether the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in September, reflecting growing impatience in the market. —Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 3 Sep. 2024

Testing alliances The United States, Israel’s key ally, is showing impatience. —Tia Goldenberg, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2024

For those too young to recall, the former Maryland governor, state comptroller and Baltimore mayor expressed impatience with government bureaucracy. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2024

My impatience is buoyed by surveys such as this one, finding that 7 in 10 Americans say extreme heat has impacted their electricity bills in the last year. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impatience

noun

im·​pa·​tience (ˈ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s 

1

: lack of patience

2

: restless or eager desire