boredom

noun

bore·​dom ˈbȯr-dəm How to pronounce boredom (audio)
: the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest
the boredom of a long car trip

Examples of boredom in a Sentence

On days when few customers came to shop, Bob felt overwhelmed by boredom. the boredom of a long car trip
Recent Examples on the Web Tee off Prisoners did have some powerful weapons to call on in their battle against boredom, and many of them centered around sport. Jack Bantock, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust will be contending with new emotions: Anxiety (played by Maya Hawke), Envy, Ennui (boredom) and Embarrassment. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2024 In times of stress or boredom, people look for distractions. Heller McAlpin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 For example, the excitement of being on Mars might boost morale, while boredom during the return may sink it. Discover Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024 Sabotaging tactics of the ego include boredom, burnout, lack of engagement, poor communication, micromanagement and fire drills. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The pandemic and boredom, the rise of influencer analysis both on social media and the mainstream press, or the rise of tradwife culture on TikTok, or, most likely, all of the above. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2024 Counteract any potential boredom with an over-the-top jacket. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2024 The sensation of continual anxiety and continual boredom, the fits and starts of activity, are closely observed. Katie Kitamura, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boredom.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

bore entry 5 + -dom

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boredom was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near boredom

Cite this Entry

“Boredom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boredom. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

boredom

noun
bore·​dom ˈbō(ə)rd-əm How to pronounce boredom (audio)
ˈbȯ(ə)rd-
: the state of being bored

More from Merriam-Webster on boredom

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