restless

UK: /ˈrɛstləs/ US: /ˈrɛstlɪs/ ,(rest′lis)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

rest•less /ˈrɛstlɪs/   adj. 

1. of or characterized by inability to remain at rest:
   a restless mood.
2. not quiet;
   uneasy.
3. always in motion:
   the restless sea.
4. without rest or sleep:
   a restless night.

rest•less•ly, adv.: 

tossed restlessly in her sleep.

rest•less•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

rest•less  (rest′lis), adj. 

1. characterized by or showing inability to remain at rest:
   a restless mood.
2. unquiet or uneasy, as a person, the mind, or the heart.
3. never at rest;
   perpetually agitated or in motion:
   the restless sea.
4. without rest;
   without restful sleep:
   a restless night.
5. unceasingly active;
   averse to quiet or inaction, as persons:
   a restless crowd.

• Middle English restles, Old English restlēas. See rest¹, -less bef. 1000

rest′less•ly, adv. 
rest′less•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1, 2.
• 3. restive, agitated, fretful.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

restless / ˈrɛstlɪs/ adjective

1. unable to stay still or quiet
2. ceaselessly active or moving: the restless wind
3. worried; anxious; uneasy
4. not restful; without repose: a restless night

ˈrestlessly adverb

ˈrestlessness noun