ADVERTISEMENT

Waiting can be excruciating, especially when you desperately want something to happen — sooner. Whether stuck in a long line, checking your inbox for an important message, waiting for a sign from the heavens, or counting down the minutes until the weekend, the feeling of time dragging by is sometimes unbearable.
 
But don’t let boredom get the best of you. We at Bored Panda like to embrace the moment with funny, relatable memes that capture the absurdity of the everyday wait.

Our “waiting meme” collection has some of the funniest and spot-on depictions of what it’s like to be stuck on lingering. When we say these memes capture the frustration, restlessness, and hopelessness that comes with the wait — we mean it. So, instead of longingly staring at the clock, scroll through this list, and don't forget to tag a friend who also might be stuck waiting. 

#1

All Pets Go to Heaven

Waiting meme of an angel by a gate, talking to a cat and dog facing a rainbow, implying they are in heaven waiting for their owner.

Report

RELATED:
    #2

    “Change My Mind”

    Man at outdoor table with "CHANGE MY MIND" sign as a waiting meme for patients on brain surgery.

    shiny-spleen Report

    Karina
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Thats lobotomy, not the same thing

    #3

    After Pushing the Wrong Button

    Kermit the Frog in different contemplative poses, humorously depicting the anticipation of waiting.

    TCLP Report

    devotedtodreams
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me when I press "Shut down" instead of "Hibernate" and have to boot it up again XD

    View more comments

    Impatience Could Be Affecting Your Waistline, According to Research

    A study by the Royal Economic Society 2014 found that individuals who display impatience and endure longer wait times are more likely to experience weight gain (1). 

    When individuals react negatively to time inconsistencies or delays, they may be more likely to make less optimal choices about their diet. This stress could potentially lead to undesired fluctuations in their BMI. 

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The research findings emphasize the importance of waiting patiently and approaching the situation with composure.


    #4

    “Since Last Millennium”

    Man in yellow suit eagerly waiting, hands rubbed together, with humorous text about saying "last millennium" in 2999.

    Mister_Posting Report

    #5

    “Still Loading”

    Waiting meme comic strip with cartoon characters humorously frustrated by a loading bar at 100% that still isn’t done.

    Blueyboy33 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The Surprising History of Waiting in Line

    While it seems like we have been waiting in line for as long as we can remember, historically, we haven’t. In fact, the most exhaustive English dictionary, 1775, didn’t even have a word for standing in line, writes Shaunacy Ferris for Mental Floss in 2016 (2).

    In 1837, French revolutionary Thomas Carlyle described the revolutionaries as a “long string of purchasers arranged in a tail, so that first to come be the first served.” 

    ADVERTISEMENT

    In 1854, an American traveler chronicled his experience of “the queue,” which he observed while traveling through France, describing it as a novel concept. When Industrialization finally arrived, lining up became commonplace as people piled to work, went on their daily commute, and bought their wares. 


    #6

    “When You’ve Finished the Series”

    A waiting meme with a man looking bored on a swing, at a table, and in an empty pool area.

    Report

    Danielle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time to watch Schitts Creek again I guess

    View more comments
    #7

    The Look of The Excruciating Wait

    A man in a suit yelling in frustration behind bars; waiting meme humorously showing impatience.

    ableck Report

    Practical Strategies for a More Peaceful Life

    If you are in a tizzy every time the world isn’t moving at your ideal pace, it may be an excellent time to start being proactive about your waiting time. After all, little annoyances will always get in the way, so making the necessary adjustments to bide your time is a wise move.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Thankfully, patience is a muscle we can develop, according to Ramona Ford, PhD (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) (3). “It’s kind of like dancing. Everyone can improve with practice,” Ford says inspiringly.

    Waiting is challenging because cultural shifts have primed us to expect instant gratification. Fortunately, you can manage it through mindfulness by slowly building your tolerance for discomfort via listening and empathy. It may take time to master the perspective of patience, but it’s surely worth the wait. 

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    Waiting for an Apology

    Cartoon character with long blonde hair looking bored, capturing the humor of waiting for an apology. Waiting meme.

    @girls Report

    #9

    A Lesson in Patience

    Anime character eye close-up in waiting meme, captioned "Patience is necessary to reach one's goal" for a phone price drop.

    20Akif Report

    Francois
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And zero years of security updates left. Gets hacked, lose all savings and the house.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    “Wake Me Up When You're Done”

    Waiting meme: Person lying on store aisle floor with a blanket and lamp, humorously illustrating boredom while waiting.

    Butterflies_Books Report

    #11

    Waiting for Productivity to Arrive

    Young gorilla holding a dandelion, humorously capturing the mood of waiting after a long weekend return.

    Accounting Memes Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #12

    The Hidden Dangers of Facebook Marketplace 

    Man waiting in snow with toaster, humorously anxious about a Facebook marketplace sale gone wrong.

    Report

    Tropical Tarot
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then they don't show. No message, nothing.

    #13

    “Your Order Has Been Shipped”

    Pug waiting meme with dog sitting on chair by glass door, illustrating funny anticipation for a package delivery.

    Memes Report

    Pyla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pupvoting for the pug and the little staircase!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #14

    “The Hardest Part”

    Sad kitten waiting meme with text "THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART," highlighting the struggle of patience with a forlorn look.

    Chapters - Interactive Stories Report

    WFH Forever
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🎶Every day you see one more card You take it on faith, you take it to the heart The waiting is the hardest part🎶

    #15

    Sitting Pretty

    A waiting meme of a child in a pink princess dress and tiara, sitting with folded hands, expressing impatience.

    @pettybetches Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #16

    “Still No Season Four on the Horizon”

    SpongeBob waiting meme: cheerful first year vs. exhausted second year waiting for season 4.

    Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #17

    Overwhelmed Little Man

    Young boy with toy garbage truck meets his heroes, two garbage men, highlighting anticipation and excitement in a waiting meme.

    LookUnderThere Report

    #18

    That Long-Awaited Cuddle

    Kitten enjoying a peaceful nap against a person's arm, exemplifying waiting memes' humor and comfort.

    ButterscotchWooden54 Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm pretty certain this is me when Mr Auntriarch gets back from archery. Except not so cute

    View more comments
    #19

    “What Happens in the Meantime”

    A waiting meme in comic format with a cartoon dog protecting, attacking, and waiting for its human.

    shreyadoodles Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda