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

was becoming restless and unhappy with his job

The audience was restless.

restlessly adverb

restlessness noun

Synonyms of restless

• uneasy
• troubled
• unsettled
• anxious
• restive

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

In the final seconds of the first period, a restless Honda Center crowd that had been muted let out some audible boos. —Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026

Set in the restless night of Lagos, where one of the city’s few female cab drivers, Lady, survives by staying tough and focused. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 May 2026

The Princess Royal, 75, wasn't even bothered when Vegas's owner, Kate Wilson, apologetically pointed out that the restless pup had dug a few holes in the palace lawn. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026

Light can cause restless sleep. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026

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