mundane

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mundane" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "lacking interest or excitement; dull." You can use it to describe a task or activity that is not particularly stimulating or exciting. For example: "After a long day of mundane paperwork, I'm ready for a change of pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what is galling is that we are into our fourth week behind bars for what I consider to be some pretty mundane reporting.

The Guardian

By half-time, it had looked like being a far more mundane occasion.

The Guardian - Sport

Courtney Barnett: Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit Barnett can turn the most seemingly mundane topics – house-hunting, insomnia or swimming in a public pool – into scuzzy, indie-pop demonstrations of lyrical prowess.

The Guardian - Music

After his visit to Santa Maria Maggiore, Francis, dressed in a simple white cassock and zucchetto, decided while on the way back that he wanted to attend to an altogether more mundane matter: the collection of his luggage from the residence he had been staying at before conclave and the payment of his bill.

The Guardian

In early rehearsals, you need to be on hand to clarify the intention of your characters and plot – even mundane things like pronunciation.

The Guardian

There's humour, but it's very mundane.

The Guardian - Tech

At first glance I thought that meant she tore down houses and looked for buried treasure in the foundations, but it turns out to be much more unpleasantly mundane than that.

The Guardian

The reality, alas, is more mundane and varied.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet, making a surprise call on Kensington poppy sellers in a mundane red coat a few days ago, she did little to excite newspaper editors and fashion commentators.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But holidays don't have to be an expensive escape; they can reacquaint us with the mundane.

The Guardian - Travel

With no visuals to distract you, every sawing sound and fleshy squelch is magnified, contrasting with the mundane noise of a car passing outside, a reminder of life going on in the streets beyond.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a neutral tone, consider "ordinary" or "commonplace" as alternatives to "mundane", as "mundane" can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "mundane" excessively in your writing, as it can make your tone seem overly critical or dismissive. Explore synonyms like "ordinary", "commonplace", or "routine" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "mundane" is to serve as an adjective. It describes a noun by attributing the quality of being ordinary, lacking excitement, or relating to the earthly realm. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis and usage in examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mundane" is a frequently used adjective that describes something ordinary or lacking excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business" and "Science", "mundane" serves to express the common, routine, or uninteresting aspects of a subject. While generally neutral, it can carry a slightly negative connotation depending on context. For alternatives, consider "ordinary", "commonplace", or "routine". Remember to avoid overuse and explore varied language to maintain reader interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary

Focuses on the common and unremarkable nature.

commonplace

Emphasizes the frequency and lack of uniqueness.

routine

Highlights the repetitive and habitual aspect.

everyday

Stresses the occurrence in daily life.

worldly

Indicates a focus on earthly matters rather than spiritual ones.

secular

Implies a lack of religious or spiritual significance.

terrestrial

Relates to the Earth and its physical properties.

earthly

Highlights the practical and material aspects of life.

prosaic

Emphasizes the lack of imagination or excitement.

banal

Stresses the lack of originality and freshness.

FAQs

How can I use "mundane" in a sentence?

You can use "mundane" to describe something ordinary or lacking excitement. For example, "The work was so "mundane" that I almost fell asleep".

What is a synonym for "mundane"?

Synonyms for "mundane" include "ordinary", "commonplace", and "routine". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "mundane" a negative word?

"Mundane" can have a slightly negative connotation because it suggests something is uninteresting or boring. However, it's generally considered neutral.

How does "mundane" differ from "trivial"?

"Mundane" refers to something ordinary or commonplace, while "trivial" refers to something unimportant or insignificant. Something can be mundane without being trivial, and vice versa.