Restiveness

Restiveness (noun) is a state of being restless, uneasy, or difficult to control, often characterized by impatience, fidgeting, or a refusal to stay still. It signifies a lack of calm or composure, frequently stemming from boredom, frustration, anxiety, or anticipation. This can manifest physically, such as with animals pacing, or mentally, where a person struggles to focus. It can involve resistance to authority or attempts at control. Restiveness implies a feeling of constraint or confinement and a desire for change, action, or escape from a current situation. The intensity of Restiveness varies, from mild agitation to outright rebellion. It also reflects a fundamental lack of contentment or a feeling of being unsettled.

Restiveness meaning with examples

• The children's Restiveness during the long car ride became unbearable, with constant questions and complaints. Their squirming in their seats and repetitive inquiries about when they would arrive at the destination indicated their restlessness. They were visibly irritated by the inactivity and yearned to be free and playing again, causing the parents a challenge in distraction tactics. Their energy levels clashed with the constraints of the car.
• Before the exam, the students exhibited a high degree of Restiveness, pacing nervously and fidgeting with their pens. Their minds, filled with anxiety about the upcoming test, made it difficult to focus. Many openly voiced their concern about the material to themselves, creating further unrest. The tension was palpable, affecting their ability to study and remain calm for extended periods. Some even experienced physical symptoms of stress.
• The horses, confined to the stable after a week of rain, displayed increasing Restiveness, kicking at their stalls and snorting loudly. They yearned to be running free across the fields. The lack of exercise and stimulation caused them to pace the confined space. Their agitated behavior indicated their desire for release and physical activity. The stable hands noted the increasing resistance to grooming and handling.
• The audience's Restiveness grew as the guest speaker rambled on, far exceeding the allotted time, talking about subjects unrelated to the central focus of the event. People began to cough and shift in their seats. A few people decided to quietly get up and leave the hall. Their lack of focus revealed their frustration with the drawn-out presentation and their desire for the event to move on and end. The silence and waiting was unbearable.
• Following the announcement of new policy changes, there was significant Restiveness among the employees, who questioned the impact on their jobs and work. Many people openly challenged the management. There was a feeling of unease, with constant murmuring and complaints circulating within the staff. They felt a lack of control over their futures. The uncertainty and the threat of instability fueled a collective unrest and caused significant anxiety.