Impatient: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.