inquietude

American  

[in-kwahy-i-tood, -tyood] / ɪnˈkwaɪ ɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. restlessness or uneasiness; disquietude.

2. inquietudes, disquieting thoughts.

   beset by myriad inquietudes.

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inquietude British  

/ ɪnˈkwaɪət, ɪnˈkwaɪɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. restlessness, uneasiness, or anxiety

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Other Word Forms

• inquiet adjective
• inquietly adverb

Etymology

Origin of inquietude

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Late Latin word inquiētūdō. See in- ³, quietude

Example Sentences

“I’ve always had that inner inquietude, that kind of yearning for equality and for justice and for eliminating any kind of prejudices and racism and colorism, which is very prevalent in Mexico,” she explained.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

If you’re prone to inquietude, on the other hand, I have good news: A majority of the court appeared apprehensive about rolling back marriage equality.

From Slate • Mar. 1, 2017

Doubt and inquietude, however, soon seized him, for nowhere could he find her.

From The Childhood of King Erik Menved An Historical Romance by Ingemann, Bernhard Severin

I expressly forbid you to give way to inquietude, for it is the mother of all imperfections....

From Light and Peace Instructions for devout souls to dispel their doubts and allay their fears by Quadrupani, Carlo Giuseppe

You should do nothing which can cause inquietude to tender consciences.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine Vol. IV, No. 19, Dec 1851 by Various