restless
REST-les
/ˈrestləs/
Unable to rest, relax, or be still; uneasy, constantly moving, or characterized by a lack of quiet.
Restless can describe physical movement (tossing and turning in bed) or a mental state of anxiety, boredom, or impatience.
The story behind the word. Dating back to Old English 'restlēas', the word combines 'rest' (meaning quiet, sleep, or freedom from toil) with the suffix '-leas' (modern '-less', meaning without). It has remained virtually unchanged in meaning for over a thousand years.
Word relationships
- fidgety: 'Fidgety' refers specifically to small, nervous physical movements, whereas 'restless' can be entirely mental or emotional.
- agitated: 'Agitated' implies a stronger degree of emotional disturbance, anger, or fear.
- serene: 'Serene' implies deep, calm, undisturbed peace.
- tranquil: 'Tranquil' describes a quiet, peaceful state of rest.
Commonly confused with
- resistless: 'Resistless' means impossible to resist (irresistible), which is completely unrelated to 'restless' (unable to rest).
Word family
- restlessly (adverb): In a restless or uneasy manner.
- restlessness (noun): The state of being unable to rest or remain still.
Collocations
- restless night
- restless legs
- grow restless
Idioms & expressions
- restless spirit
Example sentences
- "He spent a restless night tossing and turning, unable to quiet his racing thoughts." Describing a difficult night of sleep.
- "She grew restless as the hours ticked by without any news of his return." From a classic novel describing an anxious character.
Memory hook
Think of a person who is 'less' of 'rest'—they have no rest in their body or mind. Rest-less: Devoid of rest.
When not to use
Do not confuse 'restless' with 'tired'. A tired person wants to sleep; a restless person cannot settle down to sleep.
Fun facts
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a recognized neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's legs, usually occurring in the evening or night.
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