weariness

American  

[weer-ee-nis] / ˈwɪər i nɪs /

noun

1. the state or condition of being physically or mentally exhausted by hard work, exertion, strain, etc.; tiredness; fatigue.

   Weariness, pain, and hunger made the wretched man fall asleep, and he slept the whole night.

2. impatience or dissatisfaction with something tedious or burdensome (often used in combination).

   The people have begun to show a war-weariness and apathy brought on by the long, brutal struggle for independence.

   At 50, the singer still has boyish charm with none of the weariness of life—he’s curious, passionate, and engaged.

3. the quality of causing such fatigue or dissatisfaction; a tiring or tedious quality.

   The summer heat only heightened the weariness of their journey.

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Other Word Forms

• self-weariness noun

Etymology

Origin of weariness

weary ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Explanation

Weariness is a temporary feeling of low energy and tiredness. Most people feel weariness after a long day of work. Marathons, babysitting small children, standardized tests, and getting old can also cause weariness. When you're weary, you're tired. Put a –ness at the end of the word to make a noun, and viola! weariness is the condition of feeling tired or fatigued. In fact, the familiar French loan word fatigue means “weariness.” Physical work (like helping someone move) or mental work (like reading a difficult book) can make you experience weariness. If a busy schedule is making you feel a general sense of weariness, it’s time for a vacation.

Example Sentences

The town was quiet early Friday and residents have voiced weariness over the influx of media attention following the tragedy.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

"Citizens also perceive that tension in the public debate causes weariness, disenchantment and disaffection," Felipe said in his traditional address to the nation from Madrid's Royal Palace.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

The protests came amid popular anger and growing weariness with a family-run regime that has been in power for six decades.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

His speculative dread from “Mariupol” has been replaced by a fact-driven weariness.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2025

In the saddle, he rode unbowed, as though he had gained new strength and the weariness of the journey could no longer touch him.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• boredom
• ennui
• fatigue