lose patience

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose patience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has become impatient or frustrated. For example, "The long line of customers made him lose patience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nonetheless, one can lose patience.

The New York Times

Robert seems to lose patience with her.

The New Yorker

He is beginning to lose patience.

The New Yorker

Some lose patience and give up.

The Guardian

Eventually, we lose patience with her.

The New York Times

"People are going to lose patience rapidly".

The New York Times

A higher authority, though, was beginning to lose patience.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have a suspicion they will soon lose patience.

Independent

But then Tremain seems to lose patience with her compatriots.

The New Yorker

This solidity, he claims, is making bowlers lose patience.

The Guardian - Sport

Some sellers lose patience and hire an agent anyway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose patience" to describe a gradual process of becoming impatient, rather than a sudden outburst. For a sudden display of anger or frustration, consider alternatives like "snap" or "reach a breaking point".

Common error

Avoid using "lose patience" when the issue is not the passage of time or delays, but rather a fundamental disagreement or difference in values. In these cases, consider phrases like "reach an impasse" or "agree to disagree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose patience" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject (the person losing patience) and often followed by "with" or "at" to indicate the cause of the impatience. It describes the process or state of becoming impatient. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose patience" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the process of becoming frustrated or intolerant. Ludwig AI validates its usability. It is versatile, appearing in news articles, scientific publications, and everyday conversation, though primarily found in News & Media. When using the phrase, consider the subtle differences in meaning compared to synonyms like "become impatient" or "run out of patience". Also be aware of the underlying cause and the most appropriate register to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become impatient

Focuses on the process of transitioning to a state of impatience.

run out of patience

Emphasizes the depletion of one's reserves of patience.

grow tired of waiting

Specifically highlights weariness related to waiting.

get frustrated

Indicates a state of being annoyed and irritated.

reach the end of one's rope

Suggests a point of extreme frustration and inability to cope.

snap

Implies a sudden loss of control due to built-up frustration.

reach a breaking point

Similar to 'snap', indicating a limit has been reached.

become exasperated

Highlights a state of intense irritation and annoyance.

get fed up

Suggests a feeling of being disgusted or bored with a situation.

throw one's hands up in the air

Implies giving up due to frustration or lack of progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose patience" to describe when someone starts to become annoyed or frustrated because of delays or problems. For example: "The customers began to "lose patience" with the slow service".

What's a more formal way to say "lose patience"?

In a formal context, you could use phrases like "become exasperated" or "reach a point of intolerance". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it better to say "lose patience with" or "lose patience at" something?

"Lose patience with" is generally preferred and more common. "Lose patience at" is less frequent but can be acceptable in certain contexts.

What are some subtle signs that someone is about to "lose patience"?

Subtle signs include increased sighing, fidgeting, terse replies, and avoiding eye contact. Recognizing these cues can help you address the situation before frustration escalates.