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

If motion isolation is a priority, look for a mattress that has features that help minimize motion transfer and reduce sleep disturbances if one partner is restless or active throughout the night. —Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

This subconscious alertness can lead to lighter and more restless sleep, known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. —Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2024

Over the years, Gaga’s shape-shifting has painted a collective portrait of a complex, restless, fearless woman. —Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024

Children who were hyperactive in school may become restless and easily bored in work meetings as adults. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 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