restive

adjective
UK: /ˈrestɪv/
US: /ˈrestɪv/

  1. Unable to stay still or be happy where you are, especially because you are bored or being controlled.

    1. The child grew restive during the long car ride.
    2. After several hours of lectures, the audience became increasingly restive and started to murmur.

  2. Showing impatience or dissatisfaction because of restrictions, delays, or opposition.

    1. The crowd became restive as the performer was late.
    2. The students grew increasingly restive under the school's strict attendance policy.

Synonyms

impatient uneasy agitated fidgety restless unruly

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "restive" in English means: Unable to stay still or be happy where you are, especially because you are bored or being controlled., Showing impatience or dissatisfaction because of restrictions, delays, or opposition..

The phonetic transcription of "restive" is /ˈrestɪv/ in British English and /ˈrestɪv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "restive": impatient, uneasy, agitated, fidgety, restless, unruly.

Example usage of "restive": "The child grew restive during the long car ride.". More examples on the page.