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

Bed sharers can rejoice in the fact that the mattress has just the right amount of stability to keep a restless partner from waking you up. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026

Edebiri plays Catherine, a brilliant but restless daughter of renowned mathematics professor Robert (Cheadle) who is thrust into turmoil when a notebook containing a revelatory proof is discovered after his death. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026

Some twenty years later, Missy capitalized on the restless mood lurking inside the original song. —Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026

In a restless electorate frustrated by high prices, the cost of housing stands out. —Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 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