Meaning
To become annoyed because of delays, problems, or annoyances.
Cultural Background
In the US, time is money. Losing patience is a common way to express that someone is being inefficient. British people might use 'losing patience' but often prefer 'getting a bit fed up' to sound less aggressive. Publicly losing patience is often seen as a loss of face or lack of self-control. Germans value punctuality, so losing patience when someone is late is seen as a reasonable reaction.
Use the possessive
Always say 'my patience', not 'the patience'.
Don't confuse with 'patient'
A patient is a person in a hospital; patience is a feeling.
Meaning
To become annoyed because of delays, problems, or annoyances.
Use the possessive
Always say 'my patience', not 'the patience'.
Don't confuse with 'patient'
A patient is a person in a hospital; patience is a feeling.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
I'm starting to _____ my patience with this slow computer.
After 'to', use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
The standard collocation uses the possessive pronoun 'my' and the noun 'patience'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'The bus is 20 minutes late!' B: 'I know, I'm _____ my patience too.'
The present continuous 'am losing' describes the current state.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesI'm starting to _____ my patience with this slow computer.
After 'to', use the base form of the verb.
Choose the most natural sentence.
The standard collocation uses the possessive pronoun 'my' and the noun 'patience'.
A: 'The bus is 20 minutes late!' B: 'I know, I'm _____ my patience too.'
The present continuous 'am losing' describes the current state.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but it sounds slightly more formal or general.
It can be, depending on your tone. Use it carefully.
Related Phrases
Wear thin
similarTo gradually lose patience.
Run out of
similarTo have no more of something.
Lose one's cool
similarTo become angry.
At the end of one's rope
similarTo have no more options or patience.
