Impatient: meaning, definitions and examples

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impatient

[ɪmˈpeɪʃənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Having or showing a tendency to be quickly irritated or provoked.

Synonyms

agitated, eager, restless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impatient	Used when someone cannot wait for something and gets annoyed or anxious because it is taking too long. She became impatient while waiting for her turn at the doctor's office
restless	Used when someone cannot stay still or calm, either physically or mentally, often because of anxiety or boredom. She felt restless all night and couldn’t get any sleep
eager	Refers to a keen interest or strong desire for something, usually with a positive connotation of excitement. The students were eager to learn about the new science project
agitated	Describes a state of being very upset, nervous, or disturbed. Often suggests a more intense emotional reaction. He walked back and forth, clearly agitated by the news

Examples of usage

She was growing impatient waiting for the results.
He tapped his foot impatiently while waiting in line.
Impatient customers often demand fast service.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A person who is easily annoyed or provoked.

Synonyms

firebrand, hothead, irritant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impatient	This definition is same as above: used when someone has little patience and can't wait for things to happen. This term is neutral and doesn't imply strong emotions or aggressive behavior. She was impatient while waiting for the bus. He becomes impatient when things don't go as planned.
hothead	This word is used for someone who easily loses their temper and reacts quickly without thinking. It has a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting a lack of control. Don't be such a hothead; try to stay calm. His hothead tendencies often got him into trouble.
irritant	Irritant describes something or someone that causes annoyance or discomfort. This term has a negative connotation and is used when the focus is on the annoyance caused. Her constant questions became an irritant to her coworkers. The loud music next door was a major irritant.
firebrand	Firebrand describes a person who is passionate and tends to incite others, often used in the context of social or political activism. It carries a sense of enthusiasm but can also imply a tendency to cause trouble or rebellion. The young politician was a firebrand, always rallying people to fight for their rights. She was known as a firebrand in the community, sparking many debates and discussions.

Examples of usage

Don't be such an impatient, the line is moving slowly.
She was known as an impatient when it came to waiting.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

medicine

A patient who is difficult to deal with, especially in terms of compliance with a treatment plan.

Synonyms

difficult patient, noncompliant patient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impatient	This term can also describe a patient who is restless and unwilling to wait calmly for treatment or results. It suggests frustration and lack of patience. The impatient patient kept asking the nurse when the doctor would see him. Due to being impatient, the patient interrupted the consultation multiple times.
noncompliant patient	This refers to a patient who does not follow medical advice or prescribed treatment plans. It is commonly used in medical settings to indicate someone who is not adhering to the recommended care, and has a negative connotation. The doctor noted that Jane was a noncompliant patient, as she often ignored dietary restrictions. Treating a noncompliant patient can be challenging because they do not follow the medication regimen.
difficult patient	This term is often used by medical professionals to describe a patient who is hard to manage, either because of their behavior, non-cooperation, or complex medical needs. It can have a slightly negative connotation. The nurse found Mr. Thompson to be a difficult patient because he refused to take his medication. The difficult patient demanded a lot of attention from the medical staff.

Word

Description / Examples

impatient

This term can also describe a patient who is restless and unwilling to wait calmly for treatment or results. It suggests frustration and lack of patience.

The impatient patient kept asking the nurse when the doctor would see him.
Due to being impatient, the patient interrupted the consultation multiple times.

noncompliant patient

This refers to a patient who does not follow medical advice or prescribed treatment plans. It is commonly used in medical settings to indicate someone who is not adhering to the recommended care, and has a negative connotation.

The doctor noted that Jane was a noncompliant patient, as she often ignored dietary restrictions.
Treating a noncompliant patient can be challenging because they do not follow the medication regimen.

difficult patient

This term is often used by medical professionals to describe a patient who is hard to manage, either because of their behavior, non-cooperation, or complex medical needs. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

The nurse found Mr. Thompson to be a difficult patient because he refused to take his medication.
The difficult patient demanded a lot of attention from the medical staff.

Examples of usage

The doctor had to deal with a particularly impatient who refused to take the prescribed medication.
The nurse found it challenging to handle the impatient in the ward.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'impatientem', which means 'not suffering' or 'not enduring' something.
In English, the term has been used since the late 14th century to describe someone who is unable to wait calmly.
The prefix 'im-' suggests a negation, turning 'patient' (able to wait) into its opposite.

Psychology

Impatience can be linked to higher levels of anxiety, which means people who are often impatient may feel nervous more often.
Research shows that impatient individuals might struggle with impulse control, leading them to make rash decisions.
Studies indicate that impatience can affect goal achievement, with impatient people often favoring immediate rewards over long-term success.

Literature

Impatience is a common theme in various literary works, often representing the struggle between desire and the necessity of waiting.
Many characters in classic literature demonstrate impatience, which often leads to conflicts or hasty decisions that change their paths.
In modern literature, impatience can reflect broader societal issues, such as the fast-paced nature of the digital age.

Pop Culture

Comedic characters in films often use impatience for humorous effect, heightening tension in situations that require waiting.
The impatience portrayed in popular music often speaks to themes of love, longing, or desire for change, resonating with listeners.
Reality TV shows frequently showcase impatience among contestants, driving drama and engagement with the audience.

Cultural Views

In many cultures, being patient is considered a virtue, often seen in proverbs and sayings that emphasize the importance of waiting.
Contrarily, modern society, driven by technology, encourages a fast-paced lifestyle that can foster impatience.
Cultural attitudes toward waiting can shape behaviors in various contexts, from personal relationships to business practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "impatient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impaciente

🇮🇳 अधीर

🇩🇪 ungeduldig

🇮🇩 tidak sabar

🇺🇦 нетерплячий

🇵🇱 niecierpliwy

🇯🇵 せっかち

🇫🇷 impatient

🇪🇸 impaciente

🇹🇷 sabırsız

🇰🇷 참을성 없는

🇸🇦 غير صبور

🇨🇿 netrpělivý

🇸🇰 netrpezlivý

🇨🇳 不耐烦的

🇸🇮 nepotrpežljiv

🇮🇸 óþolinmóður

🇰🇿 шыдамсыз

🇬🇪 მოუთმენელი

🇦🇿 səbirli olmayan

🇲🇽 impaciente

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,825 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8822 rash
8823 endowment
8824 superb
8825 impatient
8826 paved
8827 sellers
8828 everlasting
...