Restless and driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Restless and driven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is constantly active and motivated, often in a context discussing personal traits or work ethic. Example: "Her restless and driven nature made her a top performer in the competitive industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In his autobiography, Mr. Perkins wrote that Mr. Packard and Mr. Hewlett "were restless and driven men".

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the 36-year-old is still restless, driven, and anything but sated, ahead of Wigan's first Grand Final appearance for seven years.

The Guardian - Sport

There could be no happy ending to Prussia's restless ambitions, driven by a profound sense of insecurity that deepened with German unification.

The New York Times - Books

Jadranka is more restless, driven by demons she hardly understands.

The New York Times - Books

The ethos of restless invention has driven us since the days of Thomas Edison.

Harvard Business Review

In this week's Meet the Author, Nick Higham speaks to Claire Tomalin about her portrait of a restless, driven writer.

BBC

The same restless energies drove him on his solo slog across the Sahara and through all his other formidably researched and experienced books, until he came to rest in the Wensleydale he loved and celebrated so warmly in his north country pastorals in the Oldie.

The Guardian - Books

But his restless ambition drove him to seek greater ends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Umut, married to the restless Cemile, drives a cab in sometimes 24-hour stretches.

The New York Times

His experience of reprising his role on The Young & the Restless really drove that home: There were promises of storylines in which he would be able to have a romance with another gay character, but none of that panned out, and his scenes became shorter and shorter as time went on.

Vice

I'm still working at being tHisbexperience can be".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "restless and driven" to describe individuals who are not only motivated but also have a sense of unease or constant need for progress. Ensure this aligns with the context.

Common error

Avoid using "restless and driven" in contexts where a completely positive or calm approach is preferred. The 'restless' aspect can imply dissatisfaction or lack of contentment, which might not always be desirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "restless and driven" functions as a compound adjective used to describe a noun, typically a person. It highlights two key characteristics: a state of constant activity or unease (restless) and a strong motivation to achieve goals (driven). Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in describing individuals with notable ambition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "restless and driven" is a compound adjective used to describe individuals who are not only highly motivated but also possess a sense of unease or a constant need for progress. Grammatically correct, Ludwig AI confirms its usability, but its relatively rare occurrence suggests it should be used judiciously. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to provide a nuanced characterization of individuals. While alternatives like "ambitious and motivated" or "energetic and ambitious" exist, they may not fully capture the complex meaning conveyed by "restless and driven".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ambitious and motivated

Focuses on the positive aspects of ambition and motivation, omitting the 'restless' aspect.

Driven and ambitious

Reverses the order of the adjectives, slightly altering the emphasis.

Energetic and ambitious

Replaces 'restless' with 'energetic', focusing on activity level.

Highly motivated and proactive

Emphasizes motivation and taking initiative, lacking the sense of unease.

Relentless and determined

Highlights the unwavering nature of their pursuits, possibly with a more aggressive connotation.

Unsettled and ambitious

Replaces 'driven' with 'ambitious', highlighting their drive towards goals.

Impatient and ambitious

Uses 'impatient' instead of 'restless' to convey a sense of eagerness and a desire for quick progress.

Restless and ambitious

Keeps "restless" but changes 'driven' to 'ambitious' to convey determination.

Always striving

Focuses on the continuous effort to improve, omitting the adjectives.

Constantly pushing boundaries

Emphasizes the desire to go beyond limits, removing the focus on personal traits.

FAQs

How can I use "restless and driven" in a sentence?

You can describe someone's personality by saying, "She was a "restless and driven" individual, always seeking new challenges."

What's a good alternative to "restless and driven"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "ambitious and motivated", "energetic and ambitious", or "relentless and determined".

Is it redundant to say someone is both restless and driven?

While there's overlap, "restless" implies a certain unease or dissatisfaction, whereas "driven" focuses on the motivation to achieve. They can complement each other to paint a nuanced picture.

Can "restless and driven" have negative connotations?

Yes, if the "restless" aspect is interpreted as anxiety or inability to be content, it can imply a negative aspect of being overly ambitious. Consider your audience when using it.