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. )

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

Staggering now with weariness, he collected some stones and put them in the ashes, then laid over them the two torches he and Jonn had carried through the Mountain.

From Literature

For the movie’s title song, Bentley said Cave was the only person he could imagine striking the right tone: a delicate blend of weariness and gratitude.

From Los Angeles Times

"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

“I accept your generous offer,” he said, overcome with weariness.

From Literature

Related Words

• boredom
• ennui
• fatigue