restless

adjective

rest·​less ˈrest-ləs 

1

: lacking or denying rest : uneasy

a restless night

2

: continuously moving : unquiet

the restless sea

3

: characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind

restless pacing

also : changeful, discontented

restlessly adverb

restlessness noun

Synonyms

• restive
• uneasy
• unquiet
• unrestful

Examples of restless in a Sentence

restless children who can't sit still

The audience was becoming restless.

He started to feel restless and discontent in his job.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wall Street has started to get restless as the clock keeps ticking. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025

Starr will get restless in a month and come running back. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025

After 13 seasons, ones that usually ended with 20-ish victories and a lot of second-round exits in the NCAA Tournament, the natives got restless. —Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025

Lighting for Health Say goodbye to restless nights with Delos Living’s Circadian Mood Lighting, a technology designed to replicate the benefits of natural light. —Lisa A. Beach, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing restless

• restless legs syndrome

Kids Definition

restless

adjective

rest·​less ˈrest-ləs 

1

: being without rest : giving no rest

a restless night

2

: always moving

the restless sea

3

: showing one to be uneasy

restless pacing back and forth

restlessly adverb

restlessness noun

Medical Definition

restless

adjective

rest·​less ˈrest-ləs 

1

: deprived of rest or sleep

the patient was restless from pain

2

: providing no rest

a restless night