impatient

adjective

im·​pa·​tient (ˌ)im-ˈpā-shənt How to pronounce impatient (audio)
Synonyms of impatientnext
1
a
: not patient : restless or short of temper especially under irritation, delay, or opposition
b
: intolerant sense 1
impatient of delay
2
: prompted or marked by impatience
an impatient reply
3
: eagerly desirous : anxious
impatient to get home
impatiently adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of impatient in a Sentence

After months of delays, customers are becoming impatient. Customers have grown impatient with the repeated delays. “Aren't you ready yet?” “Don't be so impatient. There's no need to hurry.” She was impatient to leave.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some Republicans have grown impatient with the administration’s attempts to dismantle agencies, programs, and contracts unilaterally by revoking funds. — Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025 But the late founder of Apple was also known to be impatient and demanding to the point of extreme perfectionism. — Harry Kraemer, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 The president faced an impatient nation that is skittish over his imposition of 25% tariffs on foreign allies, which may raise everyday costs. — Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 Max grows ever more anxious, Fontaine becomes increasingly impatient and the unwitting Walter starts to suspect that something shady is going on. — Joe Leydon, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impatient

Word History

Etymology

Middle English impacient, from Anglo-French impacient, from Latin impatient-, impatiens, from in- + patient-, patiens patient

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impatient was in the 14th century

Rhymes for impatient

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Browse Nearby Words

impatient
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Cite this Entry

“Impatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impatient. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

impatient

adjective
im·​pa·​tient (ˈ)im-ˈpā-shənt How to pronounce impatient (audio)
1
: not patient
an impatient disposition
2
: showing or coming from impatience
an impatient answer
3
: restless and eager
impatient to get going
impatiently adverb

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