ENGLISH
REFERENCE

restless

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹɛstɫəs// UK //ɹˈɛstləs// rest·less

adj. unable to stay still or quiet because you are bored, nervous, or unhappy. You might feel this way when you have too much energy or are waiting for something to happen.

adj. characterised by an inability to remain at rest or to relax; often used to describe physical movement driven by mental unease or dissatisfaction.


SIMPLE

The children grew restless during the long car ride.

CONTEXTUAL

After three hours of waiting for the results, he became restless and started pacing the hallway.

COMPLEX

The population grew increasingly restless as the government failed to address the rising cost of living, leading to a series of spontaneous protests across the capital.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English restles, restelees, from Old English ræstlēas, equivalent to rest + -less.

Usage

Often follows linking verbs like 'become', 'grow', or 'feel'.

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