Restlessness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈrest-ləs/ rest·less

Meaning & Definition of Restlessness

Restlessness (adjective)

  1. lacking or denying rest, uneasy
  2. continuously moving, unquiet
  3. characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind; also, changeful, discontented

Restlessness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a disturbed or uneasy state

    "the restlessness of the crowd was apparent as it waited to learn whether the football player was seriously injured"

    similar: disquiet, ferment, fermentation, restiveness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness, unrest
    related: fidgets, commotion, confusion, excitement, hubbub, moil, stir, storm, trouble, tumult, tumultuousness, turbulence, upheaval, uproar, unsettlement, disruption, perturbation, agitation, anxiety, disquietude, inquietude, queasiness, tension, unease, anarchy, chaos, disorder, welter
    opposite: calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet, tranquility
    near: order, orderliness

  2. the state of being bored

    "she began to pick at the grass near her hammock out of sheer restlessness"

    similar: blahs, boredom, doldrums, ennui, listlessness, tedium, weariness
    related: cheerlessness, dispiritedness, joylessness, melancholy, languidness, languor, lassitude, lethargy, lifelessness, torpidity, torpor, dullness, monotonousness, monotony, sameness, apathy, indifference, unconcern
    near: beguilement, bewitchment, captivation, enchantment, fascination, absorption, engagement, engrossment, immersion, involvement, animation, enlivenment, excitement, invigoration, stimulation, amusement, entertainment, diversion, relief

Related Entry: Restless (adjective)

Restless is a different word from Restlessness. The synonyms below are for restless, not for restlessness.

  1. lacking or denying rest

    "the worried mother spent a restless night, tossing and turning in bed for hours"

    similar: restive, uneasy, unquiet, unrestful
    related: agitated, distressed, disturbed, perturbed, troubled, unsettled, aflutter, anxious, dithery, edgy, fidgety, het up, hung up, jittery, jumpy, nervous, nervy, tense, upset, uptight, worried
    opposite: restful
    near: calm, easy, peaceful, quiet, relaxing, tranquil

  2. marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings

    "the figure skater was visibly restless as she waited for her scores to be posted"

    similar: agitating, anxious, creepy, disquieting, distressful, distressing, disturbing, fraught, hairy, nail-biting, nerve-racking, nervous, tense, uneasy, unnerving, unsettling, worrisome
    related: bothersome, troublesome, foreboding, misgiving, discouraging, disheartening, strained, restive, unrestful, awkward, embarrassing
    opposite: calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting, tranquil
    near: restful, pacific

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Restlessness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Restlessness:

disquiet, ferment, fermentation, restiveness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness, unrest, blahs, boredom, doldrums, ennui, listlessness, tedium, weariness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Restlessness

Words with the opposite meaning of Restlessness:

calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet, tranquility

Related Words for Restlessness

fidgets, commotion, confusion, excitement, hubbub, moil, stir, storm, trouble, tumult, tumultuousness, turbulence, upheaval, uproar, unsettlement, disruption, perturbation, agitation, anxiety, disquietude, inquietude, queasiness, tension, unease, anarchy, chaos, disorder, welter, cheerlessness, dispiritedness

Near Antonyms of Restlessness

order, orderliness, beguilement, bewitchment, captivation, enchantment, fascination, absorption, engagement, engrossment, immersion, involvement, animation, enlivenment, excitement, invigoration, stimulation, amusement, entertainment, diversion, relief

Word Forms of Restlessness

Derived words: restlessly (adverb), restlessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Restlessness

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Restlessness

What does "Restlessness" mean?

"Restlessness" means lacking or denying rest, uneasy. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: lacking or denying rest, uneasy. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Restlessness"?

Other words for "Restlessness" include disquiet, ferment, fermentation, restiveness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness and unquietness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Restlessness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Restlessness"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Restlessness". Common alternatives include disquiet, ferment, fermentation, restiveness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness, unrest and blahs.

What is the opposite of "Restlessness"?

Antonyms of "Restlessness" include calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet and tranquility. Near antonyms include order, orderliness, beguilement and bewitchment.

How do you use "Restlessness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Restlessness" in a sentence: "the restlessness of the crowd was apparent as it waited to learn whether the football player was seriously injured"; "she began to pick at the grass near her hammock out of sheer restlessness".

Is "Restlessness" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Restlessness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Restlessness"?

"Restlessness" is pronounced /ˈrest-ləs/ and divided into syllables as rest·less.

What is the origin of the word "Restlessness"?

First known use: before 12th century.