impatience

[ im-pey-shuhns ]

noun

1. lack of patience.
2. eager desire for relief or change; restlessness.
3. intolerance of anything that thwarts, delays, or hinders.

impatience

/ ɪmˈpeɪʃəns /

noun

1. lack of patience; intolerance of or irritability with anything that impedes or delays
2. restless desire for change and excitement

Word History and Origins

Origin of impatience¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English impacience, from Latin impatientia; im- ², patience

Example Sentences

The party was launched in 2015, following conversations between Mayer and Toksvig in which they shared their "impatience with the slowness of change" on women's issues.

From BBC

Through the years of distance, in separate interviews, the sisters talked about how much they loved each other and expressed impatience with a media machine eager to report on their strife.

From Los Angeles Times

James Madison, who was not fond of the Holy Roman Empire’s use of an electoral college, later recalled that the final decision on how to elect a U.S. president “was produced by fatigue and impatience.”

From Salon

I would wince when sometimes he would show impatience and irritation towards his staff.

From BBC

Maitlis, meanwhile, said Wilson had managed to capture her "impatience", including the way she eats sandwiches in a hurry.

From BBC

Related Words

• anger
• annoyance
• anxiety
• eagerness
• edginess
• excitement
• nervousness
• restlessness
• uneasiness