restless
UK: ˈrɛstləs | US: ˈrɛstləs
adj. unable to rest or relax due to stress, boredom, or anxiety
adj. constantly moving or active; unsettled
restless = rest<quiet> + less<without>
- rest (from Old English ræst, meaning "quiet, repose")
- less (from Old English -lēas, a suffix meaning "without, free from")
Etymology Origin:
The word "restless" emerged in Middle English (14th century) by combining "rest" (a state of calm or inactivity) with the suffix "-less" (indicating absence). It originally described physical inability to rest, later expanding to emotional or mental agitation. The logic is straightforward: "without rest" → "unable to stay still or calm."
The restless child kept fidgeting during the long car ride.
She felt restless after hearing the unsettling news.
The ocean waves were restless under the stormy sky.
His restless ambition drove him to work late every night.
The dog grew restless when left alone for too long.