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

Popular on Variety The result is a film that mirrors the restless spirit of its subjects while breaking all of the rules of traditional documentary filmmaking. —William Earl, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024

Kamala’s Glock and Camo hats on their own just weren’t enough to sway restless voters in the middle. —Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024

With her big inward eyes and perpetual glower, Northam effectively conveys Elsa’s restless, blinkered life. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Trump was becoming increasingly restless and agitated. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024

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