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

After the crowd was getting restless with some boos, Mexico has added to its lead. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026

Uranus in Gemini is restless, curious, and spontaneously versatile. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026

From Italy’s crowded volcanic fields to Indonesia’s restless peaks and Africa’s fast-moving lava giants, these are seven volcanoes that experts consider among the greatest threats on Earth today. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026

While products like Tylenol PM or Zzzquil can get your sleep back on track after travel or a few restless nights, regular use may cover up underlying issues that could require medical treatment. —Allison Forsyth, Health, 9 June 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