restless

[rest-lis]

adjective

1. characterized by or showing inability to remain at rest.

   a restless mood.

   Synonyms: fretful, agitated, restive

2. unquiet or uneasy, as a person, the mind, or the heart.

   Synonyms: fretful, agitated, restive

3. never at rest; perpetually agitated or in motion.

   the restless sea.

   Synonyms: fretful, agitated, restive

4. without rest; without restful sleep.

   a restless night.

5. unceasingly active; averse to quiet or inaction, as persons.

   a restless crowd.

restless

/ ˈrɛstlɪs /

adjective

1. unable to stay still or quiet

2. ceaselessly active or moving

   the restless wind

3. worried; anxious; uneasy

4. not restful; without repose

   a restless night

Other Word Forms

• restlessly adverb
• restlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of restless¹

First recorded before before 1000; Middle English restles, Old English restlēas; rest ¹, -less

Example Sentences

The economy is faltering, and many Hungarians seem restless for change.

From Salon

The author, producer and showrunner knows fans are restless about how her hit Prime Video series might end, but she says she “loves surprising people.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I feel strongly about wanting the audience to have the experience of not knowing what’s going to happen next … even though I know that others are probably restless to see how it all ends.”

From Los Angeles Times

If my parents withheld the lemon slice for too long, I’d become restless until they’d let me indulge in the citrus fruit.

From Salon

Tidied into high definition, they often appear restless.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitated 
• anxious 
• disturbed 
• edgy 
• fidgety 
• itchy 
• nervous 
• restive 
• sleepless 
• troubled www.thesaurus.com
• uneasy 
• unruly 
• unsettled