importunate — persistently asking for something in an urgent or annoying way
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: persistently asking for something in an urgent or annoying way
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪmˈpɔːrtʃənət/
Example Sentences
- My importunate cat meows at 5 AM every day for breakfast, as if the world depends on it.
- The importunate student asked the professor to change his grade seventeen times.
- Her importunate relatives kept calling about borrowing money despite her repeated refusals.
importunate
ADJECTIVE[/ɪmˈpɔːrtʃənət/]
persistently asking for something in an urgent or annoying way

an employee leans over their boss's desk with both hands planted firmly on the surface, speaking intensely with an urgent expression. The employee points repeatedly at a document while maintaining aggressive eye contact with the boss. The boss leans back in their chair with a frustrated expression, holding up one hand defensively while looking annoyed. Papers are scattered across the desk from the employee's insistent gesturing and repeated attempts to get attention. Other office workers in the background glance over with uncomfortable expressions at the tense interaction. The employee continues talking without pause, clearly not accepting the boss's reluctant body language. someone persistently asking for something in an urgent and annoying way
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin importunus, meaning 'unsuitable, troublesome.' The word combines the negative prefix 'im-' with 'opportunus' (opportune), literally meaning 'not at the right time or place.'
Breakdown
im- (not) + port- (harbor/place) + -un- (suitable) + -ate (adjective suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My importunate cat meows at 5 AM every day for breakfast, as if the world depends on it.”
“The importunate student asked the professor to change his grade seventeen times.”
“Her importunate relatives kept calling about borrowing money despite her repeated refusals.”
“The importunate door-to-door salesman followed me for three blocks explaining vacuum cleaners.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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