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

Joya was restless, not just her eyes but all of her. —Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

But there’s also a fine line between being restless and being reckless, especially as their own record and the ups and downs of others clarify the landscape. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025

Women are more likely to point to frequent awakenings or restless sleep, Dr. Won says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 June 2025

Higher nighttime temperatures can lead to insufficient or poor, restless sleep, which can compromise the immune system, increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminish cognitive performance. —Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 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