lack of patience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of patience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone does not have enough patience to wait or endure something. Example: "Her lack of patience during the meeting led to several misunderstandings among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lack of patience with irrational people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Shackleton: famous for his lack of patience, that one).

The New York Times - Books

One of the consequences was an extreme lack of patience.

The Guardian - Sport

That was an exaggeration, but his point about a lack of patience was valid.

The New York Times - Sports

The reason for a lack of patience is the unending technologies that are commonplace today.

The New York Times

A lack of patience too (SEO can take months to start showing any real impact) is also a problem.

The Guardian

There is a lack of patience which is sweeping the nation, or the world, for that matter.

The New Yorker

It is perhaps not a lack of focus but a lack of patience that will ultimately define us.

The New York Times

At age 37, Snyder is the N.F.L.'s youngest owner, yet the lack of patience among owners is not an age issue.

The New York Times - Sports

That we sometimes point this out with a lack of patience has garnered more column inches than the critiques we are making.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why hasn't he? "My lack of patience is clearly what has prevented me from winning majors," said Mickelson, one of golf's most aggressive players on the course.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of patience", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "impatience" or "short fuse" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Be specific about what is causing the impatience.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "lack of patience" can sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Opt for more concise synonyms like "impatience" or rephrase to emphasize the resulting action or consequence of the impatience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of patience" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the absence of the quality of being patient. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of patience" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe the absence of patience. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While it's generally considered neutral, synonyms like "impatience" may offer a more concise alternative, and the specific situation dictates the best choice. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing, and consider the nuanced meaning you wish to convey when choosing between "lack of patience" and its alternatives. The phrase serves to highlight a deficiency that can influence decisions and communication negatively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impatience

A more concise term conveying the same meaning.

inability to wait

Directly addresses the incapacity to endure waiting.

short fuse

Focuses on the tendency to react quickly and angrily.

low tolerance for delay

Emphasizes the inability to accept waiting.

restlessness

Highlights the inability to stay still or be content.

exasperation

Focuses on the feeling of frustration and annoyance.

intolerance

Emphasizes a general unwillingness to accept differing views or delays.

hasty nature

Highlights a tendency to act quickly without careful consideration.

quick to anger

Focuses on the propensity to become angry easily.

absence of forbearance

A formal way of saying someone doesn't have patience or tolerance.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "lack of patience"?

You can use alternatives like "impatience", "short fuse", or "restlessness" depending on the context.

How does "lack of patience" affect communication?

"Lack of patience" can lead to misunderstandings and frustration in communication. It may cause individuals to interrupt, make assumptions, or dismiss others' viewpoints prematurely.

Is it better to say "lack of patience" or "impatience"?

Both "lack of patience" and "impatience" are correct, but "impatience" is often more concise and direct. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

How does "lack of patience" impact decision-making?

"Lack of patience" can result in hasty and poorly considered decisions. When people are impatient, they may not gather all the necessary information or evaluate the potential consequences of their choices thoroughly.