Boredom

/ˈbɔːrdəm/

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

A feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction resulting from inactivity or lack of interest.

/ˈbɔːrdəm/

nounnegativeBeginner
General

The state of being bored.

She suffered from intense boredom during the long flight.

💡 Simply: Feeling tired and uninterested because something is dull.

More Examples

2

To combat boredom, he took up painting.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"The monotony of the job led to intense boredom."

From Middle English *boredom*, from Old English *boren*, meaning 'to pierce, bore'. The modern sense of tediousness developed later.

While the word existed earlier, its current meaning of tediousness became prevalent during the 19th century.

Memory tip

Think of a drill 'boring' a hole – it's a repetitive and dull process, similar to boredom.

Base: bore
boredomebordom

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written