boredom

[bawr-duhm]

noun

1. the state of being bored; the feeling of being wearied by dullness, tedious repetition, etc.

   Synonyms: ennui, tedium, weariness, doldrums, dullness
   Antonyms: amusement, diversion, excitement

boredom

/ ˈbɔːdəm /

noun

1. the state of being bored; tedium

Word History and Origins

Origin of boredom¹

First recorded in 1850–55; bore ¹ + -dom

Example Sentences

“Close my eyes! Very well. I will humor you, but only out of boredom.”

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It was a situation that led to one of the greatest challenges of long-term Arctic searching—boredom.

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Three years into a thirty-year sentence, the Soviet spy battled boredom and loneliness with letters to his wife and daughter, crossword puzzles, and chess in the prison yard.

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“I can’t wait until spring, when I can wander through tall grass and feel warm sunlight on my back. I just hope I don’t die of boredom first!”

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The independent chief inspector of borders and immigration has also said there is an "overwhelming feeling of hopelessness caused by boredom" among migrants there.

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Related Words

• apathy 
• disgust 
• ennui 
• fatigue 
• indifference 
• lethargy 
• monotony 
• tedium