Word
restlessness
Phoneticsrest·less·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛstɫəsnəs/
UK/ɹˈɛstləsnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a feeling of being unable to stay still or relax. It often makes you want to move or do something, even if you are tired.
n. a state of physical or mental unease that prevents relaxation or rest. Often associated with an inability to remain in one place or a constant desire for change.
Examples
“The long flight made him feel restless and tired.”
“After working in the same office for ten years, she felt a growing restlessness and decided to look for a new job.”
“The protagonist's restlessness is a central theme of the novel, driving him to seek out distant lands despite the comfort and security of his current home.”
Examples
simple
“The long flight made him feel restless and tired.”
contextual
“After working in the same office for ten years, she felt a growing restlessness and decided to look for a new job.”
complex
“The protagonist's restlessness is a central theme of the novel, driving him to seek out distant lands despite the comfort and security of his current home.”
Real-World Examples
“Furthermore, Tuchel has first-hand experience of the vagaries of the Wembley crowd; its hard-to-please restlessness.” “Warning signs that someone is sliding into this phase include severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, extreme drowsiness or restlessness, and blood in vomit or stool.” Etymology
From restless + -ness.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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