humdrum

American  

[huhm-druhm] / ˈhʌmˌdrʌm /

adjective

1. lacking variety; boring; dull.

   a humdrum existence.

   Synonyms:

   tiresome, mundane, routine, tedious

---

noun

1. humdrum character or routine; monotony.

2. monotonous or tedious talk.

3. Archaic. a dull, boring person.

humdrum British  

/ ˈhʌmˌdrʌm /

adjective

1. ordinary; dull

---

noun

1. a monotonous routine, task, or person

Other Word Forms

• humdrumness noun

Etymology

Origin of humdrum

1545–55; earlier humtrum, rhyming compound based on hum

Example Sentences

As locals grapple with the idea of U.S. domination, they are also dealing with more humdrum problems.

From The Wall Street Journal

Locals here have more humdrum problems to attend to: a slowing economy as investment falls after several big infrastructure projects were completed, labor shortages and rising prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Certainly the humdrum of legislation or bureaucratic rule-marking is nothing like the gossipy speculation about who may or may not bid to lead California as its 41st governor.

From Los Angeles Times

Private-market managers like humdrum annuities: long-term insurance policies popular with retirees because they offer a regular stream of payments.

From The Wall Street Journal

And, given his humdrum season with Columbus Crew, how did Nancy get this job in the first place?

From BBC

Related Words

• drab
• dreary
• everyday
• monotonous
• mundane
• plodding
• tedious
• uninteresting