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

• 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

Remaining in retirement wasn’t really an option for the restless Iger. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025

This shift doesn't just equate to a restless night. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Eclipses always come in pairs, and this week is like that quiet but restless pause between acts. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 14 Sep. 2025

Still restless, the duo set off to hitchhike across the world. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025

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