What Does “Thank You For Your Patience” Mean?

PDF download Download Article
How to use and reply to this appreciative saying (plus other alternative phrases)
PDF download Download Article

“Thank you for your patience” is a common professional phrase used to express gratitude in a number of situations. Perhaps you’ve heard your doctor or a customer service representative use it. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we’ll break down this phrase and how it's used, plus share alternative polite sayings and how you can respond.

Things You Should Know

  • “Thank you for your patience” is a formal expression of appreciation used when someone’s late to an appointment or taking a while to resolve an issue.
  • Respond to “Thank you for your patience” with a simple “No problem” or “Certainly” to show that you’re unbothered.
  • Alternatively, people may say “I appreciate your time” or “Thank you for bearing with us” to express the same polite sentiment.
Section 1 of 4:

What does “thank you for your patience” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Let’s pretend a doctor is late for an appointment with you. They may enter the room saying, “Thank you for your patience,” to politely say, “I appreciate you waiting for me. My apologies.” The phrase expresses their gratitude toward your calmness during a frustrating situation. [1]
    • More often than not, “thank you for your patience” is used by business professionals, customer service agents, and in doctor-patient relationships.
    • “Thank you for your patience” is often confused with “Thank you for your patient .” Using the term "patient" in this context is grammatically incorrect. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

When You’ll Hear “Thank You For Your Patience”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    More often than not, “thank you for your patience” is a phrase used by customer service representatives. Say you call a company, business, or store with an inquiry. If you’re placed on hold for an extended period of time, the representative may say, “Thank you for your patience,” when they finally return.
    • For example, let’s say you call your insurance company, and your representative places you on hold for 30 minutes. They may then say, “Thank you for your patience, Pam. I was able to get some more information about your bill.”
    • Sometimes, “thank you for your patience” can come across negatively. Many customer service centers encourage employees not to use the phrase as it may cause customers to feel more frustrated than appreciated, especially if they’ve been on hold for a long period of time.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A friend, doctor, or coworker may use the phrase “thank you for your patience” if they’re not on time. This is a polite yet somewhat formal way for them to say, “Hey! I’m sorry I’m late. Thanks for waiting for me.”
    • For instance, perhaps you’re meeting a friend to study for a big test and they text you that they’re running late. If you respond with “No worries! I grabbed us a table in the back,” they may say, “Great! Thanks for your patience!”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Perhaps you’re at work and are dealing with a difficult project or trying to get information from a colleague. Someone may say, “Thank you for your patience,” in an email or conversation if it’s taken them a while to get back to you.
    • For example, say you’re running behind on a deadline and emailing your supervisor a timeline of the team’s progress. You might end your message with, “Thank you for your patience. The team and I are working hard to get this done by the end of the week. I’ll keep you posted if we come across any more obstacles.”
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Respond to “Thank You for Your Patience”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try responding to “Thank you for your patience” with this casual response. A simple “No problem!” or “No worries” lets the speaker know that no harm is done and you appreciate their gratitude. [3]
    • Them: “Hey! Thanks for your patience, but I’m running late. Could you grab us a seat?”
      You: “Yeah! No problem at all.”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use this kind of response in semi-professional circumstances. A quick “Certainly” or “It’s my pleasure” conveys positivity without being too casual. Try this response with a doctor, boss, or potential employer. [4]
    • Them: “Thank you for your patience. I appreciate your willingness to stay. We had a situation pop up in the showroom.”
      You: “It’s my pleasure. These things happen!”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Return the speaker’s gratitude with a thankful message of your own. Statements like “Thank you for stopping by” and “Thank you for your effort” are great ways to formally show gratitude and clear any tension from the delay.
    • Them: “Thank you for your patience. I apologize for running behind today.”
      You: “Well, thank you for seeing me at such short notice.”
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Alternative Ways to Say “Thank You For Your Patience”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go the extra mile and verbally express your gratitude with this formal statement. This message is kind, expressive, and professional, showing that you’re a caring person ready to take responsibility for your actions. [5]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Share your gratitude positively with this statement. A simple “Thank you for bearing with us” or “Thank you for waiting for us” shows thanks and helps you express that you're at fault.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When in doubt, apologize . No matter the situation, owning up to your mistakes and sympathizing with others is always best. Saying “I’m sorry” or “I apologize for the wait” helps you take accountability for your absence. [6]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While “thank you for your patience” shows appreciation, this alternative response shows a commitment to change. Use this phrase if you hope to never be tardy or delayed again.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In a formal setting, express your appreciation directly by stating why you value someone’s patience and time. You might also say, “I appreciate how you have brought this to our attention,” or “I appreciate how you care about this company.”
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Thank-You-for-Your-Patience-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re late meeting a friend, consider using this response instead of “thank you for your patience” to casually say, “Sorry I’m late! You’re awesome for waiting.”
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does Steeze Mean? Definition and Uses
      What Does “Pookie” Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      200+ Best Expressions to Say “I Love You More than…”
      What Does “BBG” Mean on TikTok & Over Text?
      What Does W/ Mean over Text or Online?
      What Does “Awww” Mean? Definition, Responses & More
      What Does "BBL" Mean? Definition & Uses on Social Media and More
      What Does “Partner in Crime” Mean?
      The Meaning & Origins of “Thunder Thighs”
      Funny Ways to Say Hello: 45 Cool and Creative Options
      Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"
      What Does "Have a Great Weekend" Mean? Replying In Person & Over Text
      What Does “When You Know You Know” Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://linguaholic.com/linguablog/thank-you-for-your-patience/
      2. ↑ https://synonympro.com/how-to-say-thank-you-for-your-patience-in-an-email/
      3. ↑ https://www.espressoenglish.net/10-english-phrases-for-responding-to-thank-you/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/0VwSkJPiBoY?t=240
      5. ↑ https://synonympro.com/how-to-say-thank-you-for-your-patience-in-an-email/
      6. ↑ https://synonympro.com/how-to-say-thank-you-for-your-patience-in-an-email/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,716 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement