impatience

[im-pey-shuh ns]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR impatience ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

lack of patience.

eager desire for relief or change; restlessness.

intolerance of anything that thwarts, delays, or hinders.

Nearby words

Origin of impatience

1175–1225; Middle English impacience < Latin impatientia. See im-², patience

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for impatience

American women expressed their support and impatience when fighting puritanism and conservatism using Femen tactics.
Femen's Topless Sextremists Invade the US|Lizzie Crocker|February 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I called to her, but she slipped away with a tormenting smile at my helpless hands, and I followed her with some impatience.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I waited and waited, closing my eyes with fear and impatience, but all was silent as the grave.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Similarly, how little time Shostakovich spent on his work elucidates the fever and impatience of his mind.
What Do Great Artists’ Routines Reveal?|Alexander Aciman|May 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST

It was characterized by apocalyptic and incendiary rhetoric, anger, impatience, and revolutionary zeal.
Good Luck With That, Peter Wehner|Michael Tomasky|January 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Mrs. March could hardly keep from laughing to see the children's impatience, though she felt nearly as impatient herself.
Nelly's Silver Mine|Helen Hunt Jackson
He reflected in silence for a moment, and Denise made, in her turn, a hasty movement of impatience.
The Isle of Unrest|Henry Seton Merriman
A few of them who could not control their impatience threw off their kerchiefs in the sun.
The Queen Bee and Other Nature Stories|Carl Ewald
I was in a very fever of impatience and doubt what next to do.
A Stable for Nightmares|J. Sheridan Le Fanu
"Wimmen are kind by natur," said the sailor, shutting his jackknife with a jerk, the only sign of impatience yet visible.
Silent Struggles|Ann S. Stephens

British Dictionary definitions for impatience

impatience

noun

lack of patience; intolerance of or irritability with anything that impedes or delays

restless desire for change and excitement

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for impatience

impatience

c.1200, from Old French impacience (Modern French impatience) and directly from Latin impatientia, from impatiens (see impatient).

impatience

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of impatience

Examples from the Web for impatience

impatience

noun

impatience