Word
restless
Phoneticsrest·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛstɫəs/
UK/ɹˈɛstləs/
Definitions
01unable to stay still
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. unable to sit still or stay quiet because you are bored, nervous, or impatient.
adj. characterised by a lack of quiet or repose; physically or mentally unable to remain still due to anxiety or boredom.
“The children grew restless during the long car journey and started to argue.”
“The audience became increasingly restless as the technical delay stretched into its second hour, with many people beginning to pace the lobby.”
02unable to sleep
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not providing rest, or having a lot of movement and waking up during the night.
adj. affording no rest or sleep; marked by constant tossing and turning.
“He had a restless night and woke up feeling more tired than before.”
“After a restless night spent worrying about the upcoming merger, the CEO arrived at the office looking visibly exhausted.”
03desiring change
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. not satisfied with your current situation and wanting to do something new or different.
adj. averse to repose or peace; characterized by a discontented desire for change or new experiences.
“After five years in the same small town, she felt restless and ready to move.”
“A restless spirit drove him to abandon his stable career in finance and pursue a precarious life as a travel writer in Southeast Asia.”
Real-World Examples
“Too much can cause headaches, jitters, a racing heart and restless nights.” “Anfield was growing restless at Liverpool’s carelessness on the ball and Atlético’s comfort on it.” Etymology
From Middle English restles, restelees, from Old English ræstlēas, equivalent to rest + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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