1 impatience | Definition of impatience

impatience

noun
im·​pa·​tience | \ (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shən(t)s How to pronounce impatience (audio) \

Definition of impatience

: the quality or state of being impatient

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Examples of impatience in a Sentence

the child's impatience for Christmas morning is engaging

Recent Examples on the Web

The Bears have their own impatience to deal with after Cody Parkey missed a 43-yard field goal in the final minute of last January’s 16-15 playoff loss to the Eagles. Dan Wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "Bears’ pursuit of Kaare Vedvik falls through as the Ravens trade the kicker to the Vikings," 11 Aug. 2019 Such unprecedented interventions say much about the central government’s growing impatience with the territory. The Economist, "A proposed extradition law triggers unrest in Hong Kong," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impatience.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of impatience

13th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for impatience

impatience

noun
im·​pa·​tience | \ im-ˈpā-shəns How to pronounce impatience (audio) \

Kids Definition of impatience

1 : the quality of not wanting to put up with or wait for something or someone : lack of patience Her impatience with the delay was obvious.
2 : restless or eager desire The dog pulled at the leash with an impatience to go faster.

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