First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
impatient
adjective im·pa·tient \(ˌ)im-ˈpā-shənt\
: not willing to wait for something or someone : not patient
: wanting or eager to do something without waiting
: showing that you do not want to wait : showing a lack of patience
Full Definition of IMPATIENT
1
a : not patient : restless or short of temper especially under irritation, delay, or opposition b : intolerant 1 <impatient of delay>
2
: prompted or marked by impatience <an impatient reply>
See impatient defined for English-language learners
See impatient defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of IMPATIENT
Middle English impacient, from Anglo-French impacient, from Latin impatient-, impatiens, from in- + patient-, patiens patient
Related to IMPATIENT
- Synonyms
- agog, antsy, anxious, ardent, athirst, avid, crazy, desirous, enthused, enthusiastic, excited, geeked [slang], great, greedy, gung ho, hepped up, hopped-up, hot, hungry, eager, juiced, keen, nuts, pumped, raring, solicitous, stoked [slang], thirsty, voracious, wild
- Antonyms
- apathetic, indifferent, uneager, unenthusiastic
Rhymes with IMPATIENT
IMPATIENTLY Defined for Kids
impatient
adjective im·pa·tient \im-ˈpā-shənt\
Definition of IMPATIENT for Kids
1
: not wanting to put up with or wait for something or someone
2
: showing a lack of patience <an impatient reply>
3
: restless and eager <We're impatient to go.>
— im·pa·tient·ly adverb
Learn More About IMPATIENT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: impatronizePrevious Word in the Dictionary: impatiensAll Words Near: impatient
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up impatient? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).