lacking patience

USAGE SUMMARY

"lacking patience" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is unable to wait calmly or is easily frustrated. Example: She was lacking patience while waiting for the results. Alternative expressions include "impatient" and "short-tempered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Serials of any kind, whether the cliffhangers of my childhood or the installment novels that enthralled our grandparents' generation, require something our time is overwhelmingly lacking: patience.

The New York Times

Another major reason for keeping Mourinho is the lack of realistic replacements, while the Russian wants to shed his tag of lacking patience.

Independent

Their manager accused Arsenal of lacking patience, of failing to realise this was a tie played over 180 minutes, of chasing an equaliser with such wild indiscipline they ended up conceding another, potentially pivotal, goal.

BBC

And some days, the days I'm really tired and lacking patience, the only way toys get picked up are with an offer of TV or iPad time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He also understands that youth lacks patience.

The New York Times - Sports

For native sons and daughters who lack patience, Bloomsbury offers an alternative.

The New Yorker

Paterno has often said Johnson lacks patience and is high-strung.

The New York Times - Sports

He admits that he lacks patience and tolerance, and some of the Rams agree.

The New York Times - Sports

Because I lack patience, I would love to see a West Virginia-South Carolina game right now.

The New York Times

They lack patience, an attribute that could provide them with the mental focus to think a problem through.

The New Yorker

He lacked patience for anything but the plainest interpretations of the starkest commandments, "To him who asks, give," in particular.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lacking patience", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is impatient with or about. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lacking patience" as a blanket statement about someone's character. Impatience is often situational; specify the circumstances that trigger it to provide a more nuanced and accurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacking patience" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of being without the ability to wait calmly or tolerate delays. This is supported by the examples in Ludwig, where the phrase describes individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacking patience" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes the absence of the ability to wait calmly or tolerate delays. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It functions primarily as an adjective phrase with a neutral register, frequently appearing in news and media. While alternatives such as "impatient" or "easily frustrated" exist, "lacking patience" emphasizes a deficiency. When using this phrase, be specific about the context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impatient

Expresses a similar sentiment of not being able to wait calmly. Shorter and more direct.

deficient in patience

A more formal way of saying lacking patience. Emphasizes the deficiency.

easily frustrated

Highlights the ease with which the person becomes frustrated. Focuses on the emotional outcome of lacking patience.

short-tempered

Focuses on the irritability resulting from a lack of patience. Adds an emotional dimension.

low on tolerance

Indicates a reduced capacity to endure delays or annoyances. More casual and conversational.

unable to put up with

Focuses on the inability to tolerate something, implying a lack of patience. A more colloquial phrasing.

wanting in forbearance

Highlights the absence of restraint and tolerance. More literary and less common.

without the ability to wait calmly

Explicitly describes the inability to wait without agitation. More descriptive.

struggling with delays

Focuses on the difficulty in handling delays due to impatience. Highlights the struggle.

not known for their composure

Indicates a general lack of calmness, which manifests as a lack of patience. A more indirect way of expressing the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking patience" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking patience" to describe someone who is easily frustrated or cannot wait calmly. For example: "The manager was "lacking patience" with the slow progress of the project".

What are some alternatives to "lacking patience"?

Alternatives include "impatient", "short-tempered", or "easily frustrated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "lacking patience" or "impatient"?

"Lacking patience" is generally slightly more formal than "impatient", but both are acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the overall tone of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "lacking patience" instead of another similar phrase?

Use "lacking patience" when you want to emphasize a deficiency in the ability to wait or tolerate delays. Other phrases might focus more on the resulting behavior (e.g. "short-tempered") or feeling (e.g. "easily frustrated").