least patience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least patience" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to express a lack of tolerance or endurance in a specific context, but it is more common to use "least patient" instead. Example: "She has the least patience for long meetings compared to her colleagues."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

CRICKET can teach you many things—not least patience.

The Economist

For now, at least, patience may be Mr. Dimon's best path to pleasing shareholders.

The New York Times

Another Council diplomat said the killings of Uday and Qusay Hussein gave a substantial advantage to those in the Bush administration who have the least patience with returning to the United Nations.

The New York Times

"Last but not least, patience and creativity are very important skills".

BBC

At least patience would help us remember that things are not handed to college kids on a silver platter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Their romantic scenes together are fairly dull, at least when Patience is being her everyday human self.

The New York Times

A search, whether it's a serious event or just a fun gathering can take a while, and usually involves at least some patience and focus.

WikiHow

Yet his close ties to his current chief speak, at least, to limitless patience and self-limitation.

The New York Times

He has already demonstrated his aptitude for learning, not least in his patience to sit for a couple of years behind two of the world's best hookers in Saracens' pecking order.

The Guardian - Sport

Now the Iraq war suggested that even if the Americans did invade, a determined core of insurgents equipped with small arms, suicide vests, and other improvised explosive devices might well be enough to outlast them, or at least outlast the patience of the American public.

Huffington Post

If they care about you enough to stop doing something that bothers you, at least have the patience to help them with a problem that you wanted fixed in the first place!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a lack of patience, consider using "least patient" or alternatives like "minimal tolerance" or "very little patience" for clarity.

Common error

Be cautious using "least patience", as it can sound unnatural. Opt for more common and clearer expressions to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least patience" typically functions as a noun phrase. It is often used to describe a deficiency or lack of tolerance in a particular context. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is not considered standard English, suggesting it's often used informally or incorrectly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "least patience" appears in various contexts, it's crucial to acknowledge its non-standard nature in English, as Ludwig highlights. The phrase aims to express a minimal capacity for tolerance, but it is more grammatically correct to say "least patient". Consider alternatives like "minimal tolerance" or "very little patience" to convey the intended meaning with greater clarity and grammatical correctness. The phrase's usage spans news, media, and wiki sources, yet it is best to approach with caution due to its questionable adherence to standard English conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost no patience

Indicates a near absence of patience.

very little patience

Highlights the scarcity of patience.

low tolerance

Focuses on the low level of ability to endure delays or provocation.

minimal tolerance

Emphasizes the extremely small amount of tolerance someone possesses.

scant patience

Uses 'scant' to emphasize the inadequacy of patience.

limited forbearance

Replaces "patience" with "forbearance", indicating restraint or tolerance, which is limited.

short fuse

Uses an idiomatic expression for quick loss of temper or patience.

easily exasperated

Describes someone who is easily irritated or frustrated, leading to impatience.

impatient disposition

Refers to a general tendency to be impatient.

lacking composure

Suggests an inability to remain calm under pressure, implying impatience.

FAQs

How can I use "least patient" in a sentence?

You can say, "She is the "least patient" person I know when it comes to waiting in line."

What's a more natural way to say someone has "least patience"?

Instead of "least patience", try "very little patience" or "minimal tolerance" to sound more natural and clear.

Is it grammatically correct to say "least patience"?

According to Ludwig, the phrase "least patience" is not correct in standard written English. It's better to use "least patient" or other alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "least patience"?

Some alternatives include "minimal tolerance", "very little patience", or "low tolerance", depending on the context.