boredom

bore-dom · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state of feeling weary and restless through lack of interest or stimulation.

  2. 2.

    The quality of being dull, uninteresting, or monotonous.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    die of boredom — to be extremely bored
  • •
    boredom sets in — when a feeling of tedium begins to take hold
  • •
    out of sheer boredom — doing something only because one is bored

Related words

Antonyms: engagement, excitement, interest
See also: bore, bored, boring, tedium
Synonyms: ennui, monotony, tedium, weariness

Etymology

Coined in English around 1852, formed from "bore" (to weary by tedious repetition) with the suffix "-dom" (denoting a state or condition). The word "bore" itself appeared in the mid-18th century.