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
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
Any more info would spoil a twisty, richly visual tale, yet Pacino is upfront that the film’s claustrophobic feelings were a result of feeling creatively restless during COVID.
—
William Earl, Variety, 24 July 2025
Since college dorm rooms often lack temperature control (hello, restless nights), the removable fabric cover offers moisture-wicking properties that actively pull heat away from the body, allowing your student to stay cool and comfortable.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 22 July 2025
Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers The ocean has a way of calming even the most restless of minds, inviting you to think a little less, breathe a little more slowly, and release what’s weighing on you.
—Victoria Malloy, Outside Online, 21 July 2025
However, co-sleepers may want to keep the shorter width in mind, especially if one person tends to be a restless sleeper who infringes on their partner’s side of the bed.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for restless
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William Earl, Variety, 24 July 2025
Since college dorm rooms often lack temperature control (hello, restless nights), the removable fabric cover offers moisture-wicking properties that actively pull heat away from the body, allowing your student to stay cool and comfortable.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 22 July 2025
Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers The ocean has a way of calming even the most restless of minds, inviting you to think a little less, breathe a little more slowly, and release what’s weighing on you.
—Victoria Malloy, Outside Online, 21 July 2025
However, co-sleepers may want to keep the shorter width in mind, especially if one person tends to be a restless sleeper who infringes on their partner’s side of the bed.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for restless
Cite this Entry
“Restless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restless. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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