Top 38 Slang For Restless – Meaning & Usage

Feeling restless and looking for the perfect words to describe that inner turmoil? Look no further! We’ve gathered a collection of the trendiest slang for restless individuals that will have you nodding in recognition and maybe even laughing at how accurately they capture that restless feeling. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into a world of linguistic creativity that speaks to your restless soul.

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1. Antsy

This word is used to describe someone who is feeling restless, impatient, or unable to sit still.

For example, “I’ve been waiting for the bus for 10 minutes, and I’m getting antsy.”
A person might say, “I always get antsy when I have to sit through a long meeting.”
Another might say, “The anticipation of the upcoming trip is making me antsy.”

2. Fidgety

When someone is fidgety, they are constantly moving or unable to sit still due to restlessness or anxiety.

For instance, “She was so fidgety during the exam that she kept tapping her pencil.”
A person might say, “I get fidgety when I have to wait in long lines.”
Another might say, “He becomes fidgety when he’s nervous or stressed.”

3. Jittery

Jittery describes someone who is feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge.

For example, “I always feel jittery before giving a presentation.”
A person might say, “I get jittery when I have to speak in public.”
Another might say, “The caffeine made me feel jittery and restless.”

4. Uneasy

When someone feels uneasy, they are experiencing a sense of discomfort, restlessness, or unease.

For instance, “I felt uneasy walking alone in the dark.”
A person might say, “The tension in the room made everyone feel uneasy.”
Another might say, “I always feel uneasy when I’m in crowded places.”

5. Agitated

Agitated describes someone who is feeling irritated, restless, or provoked.

For example, “He became agitated when the meeting went off-topic.”
A person might say, “The constant noise outside is making me feel agitated.”
Another might say, “She felt agitated and couldn’t relax until the issue was resolved.”

6. Twitchy

When someone is twitchy, they are constantly moving or fidgeting due to restlessness or anxiety.

For example, “She couldn’t sit still during the meeting, constantly tapping her foot and shifting in her seat. She was feeling twitchy.”
A friend might say, “I noticed you’ve been acting twitchy lately. Is everything okay?”
Someone might describe their own restlessness by saying, “I feel so twitchy, like I need to do something but I don’t know what.”

7. Itchy feet

Having itchy feet means feeling a strong urge or desire to travel or move to a new place.

For instance, “After being in the same town for years, she started getting itchy feet and decided to take a solo trip around the world.”
A friend might say, “I’ve been having itchy feet lately. I need a change of scenery.”
Someone might express their desire to travel by saying, “I’ve got itchy feet and a long list of destinations I want to explore.”

8. On edge

When someone is on edge, they are feeling tense, anxious, or easily agitated.

For example, “After hearing about the recent break-ins, she couldn’t help but feel on edge whenever she was home alone.”
A friend might say, “I’ve been on edge ever since the job interview. I really need to hear back.”
Someone might describe their own anxiety by saying, “I’ve been feeling on edge lately, like something bad is about to happen.”

9. Wound up

Being wound up means feeling restless, agitated, or stressed, often due to a particular situation or event.

For instance, “After a long day at work, he was feeling wound up and couldn’t relax.”
A friend might say, “I can tell you’re wound up. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Someone might express their own stress by saying, “I’m feeling so wound up about the upcoming presentation. I can’t stop thinking about it.”

10. Edgy

When someone is edgy, they are feeling irritable, anxious, or on edge, often due to stress or tension.

For example, “She had been working long hours and was feeling edgy and exhausted.”
A friend might say, “You seem really edgy today. Is everything okay?”
Someone might describe their own feelings by saying, “I’m feeling really edgy lately. I think I need a break.”

11. Restive

Restive is used to describe a state of restlessness and unease. It implies a feeling of being unable to relax or find peace.

For example, “I couldn’t sleep last night because I was feeling restive.”
In a conversation about work stress, someone might say, “The constant pressure makes me feel restive.”
A person describing their mood might say, “I’ve been feeling really restive lately, like I can’t sit still.”

12. Unsettled

Unsettled is used to describe a state of feeling uncertain or disturbed. It implies a lack of stability or calmness.

For instance, “I feel really unsettled about the upcoming changes in my life.”
In a discussion about a traumatic event, someone might say, “It’s normal to feel unsettled after experiencing something like that.”
A person describing their emotions might say, “I’ve been feeling really unsettled lately, like something is off.”

13. Wired

Wired is used to describe a state of feeling overly stimulated or hyperactive. It implies a heightened state of energy or restlessness.

For example, “I drank too much coffee and now I feel really wired.”
In a conversation about anxiety, someone might say, “When I’m feeling anxious, I get really wired and can’t sit still.”
A person describing their state of mind might say, “I’ve been feeling really wired lately, like my brain won’t shut off.”

14. Anxious

Anxious is used to describe a state of feeling worried or uneasy. It implies a sense of apprehension or nervousness.

For instance, “I have an important presentation tomorrow and I’m feeling anxious about it.”
In a discussion about social situations, someone might say, “I always feel anxious in large crowds.”
A person describing their emotions might say, “I’ve been feeling really anxious lately, like something bad is going to happen.”

15. Jumpy

Jumpy is used to describe a state of being easily startled or nervous. It implies a heightened sensitivity to stimuli and a tendency to react quickly.

For example, “The loud noise made me jump, I’ve been feeling really jumpy lately.”
In a conversation about stress, someone might say, “When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I become really jumpy.”
A person describing their state of mind might say, “I’ve been feeling really jumpy lately, like I’m constantly on edge.”

16. Skittish

Skittish is used to describe someone who is jumpy or easily startled. It can also refer to someone who is restless or fidgety.

For example, “The skittish horse bolted when it heard a loud noise.”
A person with anxiety might say, “I always feel skittish in crowded places.”
Someone might describe a nervous job interview as, “I was feeling skittish the whole time.”

17. Hyper

Hyper is a slang term used to describe someone who is extremely energetic, restless, or overactive.

For instance, “The kids were hyper after eating all that sugar.”
A person might say, “I’ve had too much coffee, and now I’m feeling hyper.”
A friend might comment, “You’re always so hyper, it’s hard to keep up with you!”

18. Tense

Tense is used to describe someone who is anxious, stressed, or in a state of unease.

For example, “She felt tense before her big presentation.”
A person might say, “I always get tense when I have to speak in public.”
Someone might describe a tense situation as, “The room was filled with tension as they waited for the results.”

19. Nervy

Nervy is a slang term used to describe someone who is easily agitated, anxious, or jumpy.

For instance, “He felt nervy before his first day at a new job.”
A person might say, “I get nervy whenever I have to speak in front of a large audience.”
A friend might comment, “You seem nervy today, is something bothering you?”

20. On pins and needles

To be on pins and needles means to be in a state of extreme nervousness, anticipation, or anxiety.

For example, “She was on pins and needles waiting for the test results.”
A person might say, “I’ve been on pins and needles all week waiting for the job offer.”
Someone might describe a tense situation as, “The whole office was on pins and needles during the meeting.”

21. Wiggly

This term is used to describe someone who is unable to sit still or constantly moves around. It can also refer to a feeling of restlessness or unease.

For example, “The toddler was wiggly during the long car ride.”
A person might say, “I can’t concentrate on my work when I’m feeling wiggly.”
Another might describe their restless night by saying, “I tossed and turned all night, feeling wiggly and unable to sleep.”

22. High-strung

This term is used to describe someone who is easily stressed or anxious. It can also refer to a state of restlessness or tension.

For instance, “She’s always high-strung before a big presentation.”
A person might say, “I feel so high-strung when I have a lot on my plate.”
Another might describe their restlessness by saying, “I’ve been feeling really high-strung lately, like I can’t relax.”

23. Unquiet

This term is used to describe someone who is unable to find peace or calmness. It can also refer to a state of restlessness or unease.

For example, “Her mind was unquiet, filled with worries and racing thoughts.”
A person might say, “I feel unquiet when I’m in a noisy and chaotic environment.”
Another might describe their restless night by saying, “I had an unquiet sleep, constantly waking up and unable to find peace.”

24. Itchy

This term is used to describe a feeling of restlessness or agitation. It can also refer to a strong desire or urge to do something.

For instance, “I have an itchy feeling that something exciting is about to happen.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling itchy and restless, like I need to go for a run.”
Another might describe their restlessness by saying, “I can’t sit still, my legs are itchy and I need to move.”

25. Nervous

This term is used to describe a state of anxiety or unease. It can also refer to a feeling of restlessness or tension.

For example, “He felt nervous before his job interview.”
A person might say, “I get nervous when I have to speak in front of a large audience.”
Another might describe their restlessness by saying, “I’m feeling really nervous about the upcoming exam, I can’t concentrate.”

26. Fretful

This term describes a state of restlessness or unease, often accompanied by constant fidgeting or agitation.

For example, “She was feeling fretful before her big presentation.”
A parent might say, “My baby gets fretful when she’s tired.”
A person waiting for important news might feel fretful, saying, “I can’t stop pacing, I’m so fretful.”

27. Hectic

This word describes a state of busyness or activity that is overwhelming and exhausting.

For instance, “My work schedule is so hectic, I barely have time to eat.”
A student might say, “Finals week is always hectic.”
A person describing their day might say, “I had a hectic day at the office, running from one meeting to another.”

28. Frazzled

This term describes a state of extreme tiredness or mental exhaustion, often resulting from a long period of stress or overwork.

For example, “After pulling an all-nighter, I was completely frazzled.”
A parent might say, “Taking care of a newborn has left me feeling frazzled.”
A person describing their emotions might say, “I’m so frazzled right now, I can’t think straight.”

29. Stir-crazy

This term describes a state of restlessness or irritability that arises from being stuck in one place or unable to go outside for an extended period of time.

For instance, “After being snowed in for days, I was going stir-crazy.”
A person in quarantine might say, “I’m starting to feel stir-crazy from being stuck at home.”
A prisoner might describe their feelings, saying, “Being in solitary confinement made me stir-crazy.”

30. Restless leg syndrome

This term refers to a specific medical condition that causes a person’s legs to feel restless, resulting in an overwhelming urge to move them.

For example, “My restless leg syndrome keeps me up at night.”
A person with the condition might say, “I constantly have to move my legs because of my restless leg syndrome.”
A doctor might diagnose a patient, saying, “Based on your symptoms, it seems like you have restless leg syndrome.”

31. Discontented

This term refers to a state of being unhappy or dissatisfied with one’s current situation. It implies a sense of restlessness and a desire for change or improvement.

For example, “She was discontented with her job and decided to look for a new one.”
In a discussion about personal fulfillment, someone might say, “Feeling discontented can be a driving force for personal growth.”
A character in a novel might be described as “a discontented soul,“a discontented soul, always searching for something more.”

32. Impatient

This word describes a feeling of restlessness or irritation when one is unable to wait for something. It implies a lack of patience and a desire for immediate action or results.

For instance, “He grew impatient waiting for the bus and decided to walk instead.”
In a conversation about time management, someone might say, “Impatience can lead to poor decision-making and rushed outcomes.”
A parent might tell their child, “Don’t be impatient, good things come to those who wait.”

33. Unruly

This term describes something or someone that is disorderly, wild, or difficult to control. It implies a sense of restlessness and a lack of discipline or obedience.

For example, “The unruly crowd disrupted the peaceful protest.”
In a discussion about classroom management, a teacher might say, “Dealing with unruly students can be a challenge.”
A person describing their pet might say, “My dog is a bit unruly, but he’s full of energy and keeps me on my toes.”

34. Unsteady

This word describes something that is shaky, wobbly, or uncertain. It implies a sense of restlessness or uneasiness due to a lack of stability or balance.

For instance, “She walked unsteadily on the icy sidewalk.”
In a conversation about emotional well-being, someone might say, “Feeling unsteady can be a sign of anxiety or insecurity.”
A person describing their financial situation might say, “My income is unsteady, so I have to budget carefully.”

35. Disquieted

This term describes a state of restlessness or unease, often characterized by feelings of anxiety or worry. It implies a sense of inner turmoil or disturbance.

For example, “He felt disquieted by the strange noises coming from the basement.”
In a discussion about mental health, someone might say, “Persistent feelings of disquiet can be a sign of an underlying issue.”
A character in a suspenseful novel might be described as “perpetually disquieted,“perpetually disquieted, always on edge.”

36. Impetuous

This word describes someone who acts or speaks quickly without thinking about the consequences. It is often used to describe someone who is restless and makes hasty decisions.

For example, “He made an impetuous decision to quit his job without having another one lined up.”
A person might say, “Her impetuous behavior often leads to trouble.”
In a discussion about impulsive buying, someone might comment, “I have to be careful not to make impetuous purchases.”

37. Uncontrolled

Referring to something that is not under control or lacks restraint. It can describe a restless person who has difficulty staying calm or composed.

For instance, “He had an uncontrolled outburst of anger.”
A person might say, “Her uncontrolled emotions often get the best of her.”
In a conversation about a wild party, someone might comment, “Things got pretty uncontrolled after midnight.”

38. Unpacified

This term describes someone who is not at peace or unable to find peace. It can be used to describe a person who is constantly seeking excitement or stimulation.

For example, “She’s always on the move, constantly searching for new experiences. She’s unpacified.”
A person might say, “His restless spirit drives him to explore new places and try new things.”
In a discussion about career choices, someone might comment, “I can’t stay in a job for too long. I get unpacified and need a change.”