restless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'restless' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has difficulty sitting still, is full of energy and can't focus on one thing for too long, or to describe a situation which is agitated, full of tension and on the brink of something unpredictable. Example sentence: Everyone in the office was feeling restless and impatient for the big meeting to begin.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The audience of school children, teachers and education advocates had been restless as the men in suits at the UN paid tribute to Malala Yousafzai on the big screen.

The Guardian

Brzezinski, of Polish origin, spoke of the dangers of resurgent, intolerant, nationalism in Europe, of the "chaos of religious fanaticism", of "restless and fragmented humanity".

The Guardian

I was bored, restless and (of course) had to fight an impulse to run from the room.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Stravinsky was – like his great contemporary Picasso – a restless, protean genius, incapable of treading water.

The Guardian - Music

"This show doesn't deserve an even slightly restless host and neither do you".

The Guardian

We swim and are served tea and cake then, restless, walk along the beach into the village.

The Guardian - Travel

Salmond has bluntly rejected calls for the Electoral Commission to be brought in: his opponents are already beginning to get restless for an answer to those questions.

The Guardian

Instead of wilting, the visitors seemed to grow in belief, the brilliant Sturrock, Gallacher and Ferguson all going close as the home fans grew more and more restless.

The Guardian - Sport

But what if you get restless after a few days of lying on the beach?

The Guardian - Travel

Related: My favourite Cannes winner: 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days I like Soderbergh because he's restless.

The Guardian - Film

In England property begot a strong place sense, but Americans, restless and with shallow roots, needed fins and wings.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, use "restless" to convey a sense of unease, dissatisfaction, or an inability to remain still. For inanimate objects or abstract concepts, it can suggest instability or constant change.

Common error

While "restless" is versatile, overuse can dilute its impact. In formal contexts, consider stronger synonyms like "agitated" or "unsettled" if a more precise meaning is intended.

Linguistic Context

The word "restless" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being unable to relax or stay still, either physically or mentally. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable word to add descriptive color to any sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "restless" is a versatile adjective widely used to describe a state of unease, agitation, or inability to remain still. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. With a strong presence in news media, formal business communications, and scientific publications, "restless" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Its semantic range includes related terms like ""agitated"" and ""uneasy"", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing similar sentiments. When employing "restless", consider the specific context to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uneasy

Implies a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

agitated

Focuses more on the emotional state of being disturbed or upset.

nervous

Emphasizes anxiety and apprehension.

unsettled

Suggests a lack of stability or peace of mind.

impatient

Highlights the frustration with delays or waiting.

fidgety

Describes physical restlessness, often with small movements.

on edge

Describes a state of heightened tension and alertness.

antsy

Informal way to describe being fidgety and unable to stay still.

perturbed

Implies being disturbed or bothered.

stirred up

Indicates a state of emotional or physical agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "restless" in a sentence?

You can use "restless" to describe a person who is unable to stay still or is dissatisfied, such as "The child was "restless" during the long car ride." It can also describe a situation or period of time, like "The country experienced a period of "restless" change".

What are some synonyms for "restless"?

Some synonyms for "restless" include "agitated", "uneasy", "antsy", and "fidgety". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a restless night"?

Yes, it is correct. "A "restless" night" means a night where you had trouble sleeping or were constantly moving and unable to find peace or rest.

What's the difference between "restless" and "restive"?

"Restless" generally describes an inability to stay still or a feeling of unease, while "restive" often implies impatience or resistance to control. A "restless" child might fidget during a lecture, while a restive crowd might become unruly due to dissatisfaction.