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

Better sleep improves mood, focus, recovery and overall health, making exercise a powerful solution for restless nights. —Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026

With no worthy opponents left, Baki and the underground fighters grow restless — until a plan is devised to resurrect Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s greatest swordsman. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026

Or perhaps your nights are restless because your legs simply won’t stay still. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026

The man lusting for power is always active, the center of the show, relentless, vigilant, distrustful, restless when anything stands in his way. —David Brooks, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 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