restlessness
noun/ˈɹɛstləsnəs/
Etymology From restless + -ness.
1
Usually The state or condition of being restless; an inability to be still, quiet, at peace or comfortable; a feeling of discomfort with stillness causes by anxiety, boredom or other emotions.
- She sat and fidgeted out of restlessness as she waited.
- With nothing to occupy his attention, Mr Enniscorthy began to manifest an unhappy restlessness that increased until the play had been proceeding for some few minutes.1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:
1 more example
- A feeling of restlessness and an urge to move in your arms, legs or torso is a state of hyperarousal and can keep you from a good night’s sleep, she said.2024 March 11, Madeline Holcombe, “What to do on the nights you are struggling with insomnia, according to experts”, in CNN:
- Derived terms
- migratory restlessness
- Related terms
- rest, restlessly