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

Porodina has always used images as a form of self-expression, and a reflection of her restless mind. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

The passionate fans, especially the loyalists in his native Michigan, were getting too restless and noisy. — Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Maybe beauty's scientists and creators were feeling particularly restless over this past year and wanted to challenge themselves. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026

Two males and one female, the cubs were restless during vaccinations. — Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 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