noun
impatience
im-PAY-shuhns/ɪmˈpeɪʃns/
Restlessness or irritation when kept waiting or prevented from getting what you want.
He checks his watch with impatience while waiting for the elevator.
Etymology
The underlying idea is not enduring something with composure. Applied to waiting, that inability to bear existing conditions becomes the restlessness or annoyance caused by delay.
In context
Think about one common source of impatience in your own week. Perhaps it is the slowm moving line at the grocery store or the recorded music during a customer service call.
More examples
- There was impatience in her voice when she asked about the overdue report.
- The children could barely contain their impatience to open their presents.
- His impatience with excuses made him a demanding coach.
Forms
impatience
impatient adjective — easily annoyed by waiting or obstacles
impatiently adverb — with annoyance or restlessness at waiting
Similar words
- irritation
- Can arise from any annoyance, not just waiting.
- frustration
- Emphasizes being blocked from reaching a goal.
- restlessness
- Emphasizes difficulty staying still or settled, without necessarily feeling annoyed.