Restless: meaning, definitions and examples

Often describes someone who cannot stay still due to boredom or anxiety. It can relate to both physical movement and psychological unrest.

• After a long day of sitting in meetings, he felt restless and needed to take a walk

Describes someone who is very upset or nervous, usually due to stress or excitement. It implies a higher level of emotional disturbance.

• She became agitated when she found out that the project deadline had been moved up

Describes a feeling of discomfort or unease, often due to a lack of stability or certainty. It can refer to both emotional states and situations.

• He felt unsettled by the sudden changes in the company’s leadership

Used for someone who is making a lot of small movements, often because they are nervous or bored. It is commonly used for minor, habitual actions.

• The child was fidgety during the long ceremony and couldn't sit still for more than a few minutes

Use 'restless' to describe a state of unease or inability to calm down, often due to boredom or anxiety.

• She felt restless while waiting for the exam results.
• The restless child kept fidgeting during the long car ride.

Use 'impatient' to describe a lack of patience or tolerance, often when someone is unwilling to wait for something or someone.

• She grew impatient with the slow internet connection.
• The impatient customer demanded to speak with the manager immediately.

Use 'discontented' to describe a feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation or condition.

• He was discontented with his current job and wanted to find something more fulfilling.
• The citizens were discontented with the government's response to the crisis.

Use 'restive' to describe a state of nervousness or resistance, often related to being restrained or under control. It may have a slightly negative connotation.

• The horses were restive, sensing the storm approaching.
• The employees were becoming restive under the new management's strict policies.