restless
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
unable to sit still or stay quiet because you are bored, nervous, or impatient.
characterised by a lack of quiet or repose; physically or mentally unable to remain still due to anxiety or boredom.
Simple“The children grew restless during the long car journey and started to argue.”
In context“The audience became increasingly restless as the technical delay stretched into its second hour, with many people beginning to pace the lobby.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
not providing rest, or having a lot of movement and waking up during the night.
affording no rest or sleep; marked by constant tossing and turning.
Simple“He had a restless night and woke up feeling more tired than before.”
In context“After a restless night spent worrying about the upcoming merger, the CEO arrived at the office looking visibly exhausted.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
not satisfied with your current situation and wanting to do something new or different.
averse to repose or peace; characterized by a discontented desire for change or new experiences.
Simple“After five years in the same small town, she felt restless and ready to move.”
In context“A restless spirit drove him to abandon his stable career in finance and pursue a precarious life as a travel writer in Southeast Asia.”
“Anfield was growing restless at Liverpool’s carelessness on the ball and Atlético’s comfort on it.”
From Middle English restles, restelees, from Old English ræstlēas, equivalent to rest + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.