adj
Uncommon
restless
REHST-lihs
Restless (adj) means Unable to stay still or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting. Example: “The children grew restless during the long car ride.”
adj
1
Unable to stay still or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting.
"The children grew restless during the long car ride."
"He spent a restless night tossing and turning."
"The restless puppy paced around the room and would not settle."
2
Dissatisfied and eager for change.
"After years in the same job, she felt restless and craved something new."
"The restless young people in the village dreamed of life in a big city."
"I have felt restless lately and keep wanting to move somewhere new."
How to use restless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnable to settle down, either physically or in terms of wanting change.
Common pairings
restless night
grow restless
restless energy
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more restless
- Superlative
- most restless
Fill the gap
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The children grew _____ during the long car ride.
Etymology
From Old English ræstleas, formed from ræst ("rest") plus the suffix -leas, meaning "without" — literally "without rest."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “restless” mean?
The word “restless” means unable to stay still or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting. In plain terms, unable to settle down, either physically or in terms of wanting change.
How do you pronounce “restless”?
“Restless” is pronounced REHST-lihs (/ˈɹɛstlɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “restless” in a sentence?
Here is “restless” used in a sentence: “The children grew restless during the long car ride.”
What part of speech is “restless”?
“Restless” is an adjective.
Where does the word “restless” come from?
The word “restless” comes from Old English. From Old English ræstleas, formed from ræst ("rest") plus the suffix -leas, meaning "without" — literally "without rest.".
Is “restless” a common word?
“Restless” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “restless” have?
“Restless” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to stay still or relax; constantly moving or fidgeting.
What is the difference between restless and anxious?
Restless describes an inability to stay still or relax, often shown through physical fidgeting or pacing, while anxious describes a feeling of worry or unease that may or may not involve physical movement. A person can be anxious while sitting perfectly still, but restlessness always involves some form of physical or mental agitation.
What is the difference between restless and bored?
Restless implies an active, fidgety dissatisfaction or eagerness for change, while bored describes a lack of interest or stimulation that may leave someone feeling flat rather than agitated. A restless person often wants to do something, whereas a bored person may simply want the current situation to end.
Can restless describe sleep as well as behavior?
Yes, restless is commonly used to describe disturbed or fitful sleep, as in "a restless night," where someone moves around frequently and fails to settle. This use extends the core meaning of being unable to stay still or relax into the context of sleep quality.
