What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
restlessness
Example
The long flight left me feeling restless and uncomfortable. [restless: adjective]
Example
She couldn't shake off the restlessness that had been bothering her all day. [restlessness: noun]
anxiety
Example
He felt a surge of anxiety as he realized he had forgotten his phone at home. [anxiety: noun]
Example
She has been struggling with anxiety for years and finally decided to seek professional help. [anxiety: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anxiety is a more common term than restlessness in everyday language, as it is a widely recognized mental health condition. However, restlessness may be used in certain contexts, such as describing physical discomfort or boredom.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between restlessness and anxiety?
Anxiety is a more formal term than restlessness, as it is a recognized medical condition and often discussed in professional or clinical settings. Restlessness is a more casual term that may be used in everyday conversation or informal writing.