Unrelaxed

Describing a state of tension, strain, or anxiety; not at ease or calm; experiencing a feeling of being on edge or wound up. This can manifest physically through stiff muscles, a rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, or mentally with racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and a constant sense of pressure. The term highlights a departure from a state of tranquility and comfort, indicating a heightened level of alertness and sometimes an inability to unwind or find peace. It suggests an inability to let go of worries or demands and embrace the present moment.

Unrelaxed meaning with examples

• The tight knot in her shoulders and the rapid tapping of her foot signaled that she was feeling unrelaxed about the upcoming presentation. She kept reviewing her notes, pacing the room, and fidgeting with her pen, the pressure clearly getting to her. Despite several deep breaths she couldn't shake off the tension, making her performance more difficult than it had to be.
• After a long day of intense negotiations, the lawyer felt completely unrelaxed and irritable. The constant demands and high stakes created an environment of stress where relaxation was impossible. He tried to unwind with a hot bath and some calming music, but his mind continued to replay the day's events, preventing him from achieving a restful state.
• The child was unrelaxed, finding it hard to settle down for bedtime after playing video games. The visual stimulation and quick pace of the game had left him feeling wound up, making it impossible to switch off his mind. He tossed and turned, his thoughts still occupied with the game’s challenges, demonstrating a restless state of mind.
• Despite being on a tropical vacation, the businessman remained surprisingly unrelaxed due to constant work calls. He was tied to his devices, checking emails and participating in meetings, the pressures of his job invading his time away. The idyllic scenery of the beach failed to soothe his state, hindering his ability to recharge and feel refreshed.
• The athlete was unrelaxed before the championship game. Her usual calm was replaced with worry, fearing she wouldn't perform as she'd practiced. She found her muscles were tight and her breathing was shallow, and she struggled to concentrate. She could feel the tension rise within her, impeding her focus.