boredom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boredom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the state of feeling uninterested or weary due to a lack of engagement or excitement. Example: "After sitting in the meeting for hours, I was overwhelmed by a sense of boredom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As well as the pain, there is the boredom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's general discontent and boredom among young people with the two established parties," said Krzysztof Bobiński, a political commentator close to Civic Platform.

The Guardian

After returning to the UK he blamed boredom for his drinking, saying that he could not guarantee he would not relapse.

The Guardian - Sport

Turning its second club competition back into a straight knockout would probably help alleviate the boredom and ennui.

The Guardian - Sport

The great product of the English suburbs, surely, is boredom That has gone on being the case.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through the dissolution of a suburban marriage - by way of boredom, lovelessness and the fact that, when the wife's pruning shears match her gardening gloves, it is no accident - the film suggests there is beauty next to you, that you can reach out and touch it, that people are not what they seem and that everyone's life is infinitely more interesting than they think it is.

The Guardian - Film

Philip Larkin wrote: "Life is first boredom, then fear".

The Guardian - Tech

The trick is, if this year's other winners are any indication, to respond to your win with a mixture of embarrassment and boredom.

The Guardian

In his appearance at hospital, Fahmy said Greste and Mohamed were in good spirits and were now allowed to read newspapers, which helped to alleviate the boredom of prison.

The Guardian

The great product of the English suburbs, surely, is boredom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Top picks were people screaming with frustration, tearing their hair out, or simply yawning with boredom.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "boredom", consider the specific cause or context. Instead of simply stating someone is bored, describe the situation or lack of stimulation that leads to that feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "boredom" when you actually mean apathy. "Boredom" suggests a desire for stimulation, while apathy indicates a lack of interest or concern.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "boredom" is as a noun. It typically refers to the state of being bored. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where "boredom" acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Film

5%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "boredom" is a common noun used to describe the state of being bored, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts. As shown by Ludwig, "boredom" frequently appears in news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces. When using "boredom", consider specifying the cause to enhance clarity. While "boredom" is generally used correctly, avoid confusing it with related terms like "apathy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tedium

Synonym referring to the state of being wearisome due to dullness or monotony.

ennui

A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

lack of interest

Focuses on the absence of engagement or enthusiasm.

apathy

Emphasizes indifference and a lack of concern.

monotony

Highlights the repetitive and unchanging nature of something, leading to boredom.

restlessness

Describes an inability to stay still or be content, often stemming from boredom.

lack of stimulation

Points to the absence of engaging or exciting experiences.

world-weariness

Suggests a more profound and philosophical sense of boredom and disillusionment.

jadedness

Implies a feeling of being tired or lacking enthusiasm after having too much of something.

unchallenging

The alternative is related to the lack of intellectual or creative stimulation.

FAQs

How can I use "boredom" in a sentence?

You can use "boredom" to describe a state of being weary and restless through lack of interest. For example, "The endless meeting induced a profound sense of boredom."

What are some synonyms for "boredom"?

Alternatives to "boredom" include "tedium", "ennui", and "apathy", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "I have a boredom"?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common and natural to say "I am experiencing boredom" or "I feel boredom". "Boredom" is typically used as an uncountable noun.

What's the difference between "boredom" and "restlessness"?

"Boredom" is a state of being uninterested, while "restlessness" is an inability to stay still or be content. Restlessness can be a consequence of boredom, but it can also stem from other causes.