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

Netflix’s org chart might be in crisis, and its subscribers are growing increasingly restless about the awful cadence of content worth caring about. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026

But when restless nights become routine, the best place to start may be your morning alarm. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026

If restless nights are a pattern, a conversation with your doctor may matter more than what sits in your snack bowl. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026

Geographically restless and lonely people everywhere are jealous! — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 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