ENGLISH
REFERENCE

restless

adj.
US //ˈɹɛstɫəs// UK //ɹˈɛstləs// rest·less
  1. 1 unable to stay still (adj.)
    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.

    Example

    The children grew restless during the long car journey and started to argue.

    Example

    The audience became increasingly restless as the technical delay stretched into its second hour, with many people beginning to pace the lobby.
  2. 2 unable to sleep (adj.)
    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.

    Example

    He had a restless night and woke up feeling more tired than before.

    Example

    After a restless night spent worrying about the upcoming merger, the CEO arrived at the office looking visibly exhausted.
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  1. 3 desiring change (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    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.

    Example

    After five years in the same small town, she felt restless and ready to move.

    Example

    A restless spirit drove him to abandon his stable career in finance and pursue a precarious life as a travel writer in Southeast Asia.
Origin

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

Word family

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