restlessness
Americannoun
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the inability to remain still or at rest, or a mood characterized by this.
To overcome younger students’ restlessness and anxiety, one expert suggests class routines, role play activities, and other calming exercises.
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the fact of being unable to sleep or find a comfortable position in which to sleep.
I haven't been sleeping so well lately—a mix of restlessness and staying up too late watching movies.
-
discontent or dissatisfaction that drives one to keep looking for solutions, alternatives, or new things.
We are incomplete beings yearning to be made whole, dogged by a sense of unease and restlessness.
-
perpetual movement.
Growing up on the coast of Sydney as he did, his music is influenced by the restlessness of the ocean.
Etymology
Origin of restlessness
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He’s never settled into a particular genre and, perhaps due to that wide-ranging restlessness, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be awarding him an honorary Oscar in November.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
There’s a musical restlessness on “Don’t Be Dumb” that takes it to some interesting places.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026
"When access is disrupted, some young people may initially experience irritability, restlessness, or a sense of social disconnection… not because the platform itself is essential, but because a familiar coping mechanism has been removed."
From BBC ● Jan. 9, 2026
Depression was assessed through a questionnaire asking about depressed mood, disinterest, restlessness or lethargy during the previous two weeks.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 17, 2025
Maggie swallowed any restlessness and concentrated on her French grammar.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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