# impatience

/ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəns/ (US) · /ɪmpˈeɪʃəns/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impatience
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a feeling of being annoyed because you want something to happen now and cannot wait. It is the opposite of being patient.

For teachers: a state of being unable to wait for something to happen or to be ready. Often describes a negative emotional state characterized by a lack of tolerance for delays.

## Examples

- His impatience made him lose his temper.
- The manager's impatience with the slow-moving project led to several rushed decisions that later caused problems.
- While some view the rapid pace of technological change as a blessing, others express deep-seated impatience with the constant need to upgrade and replace devices before they reach the end of their natural lifespan.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.