tiresome

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tiresome' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a tedious or boring task, or an activity that is exhausting or annoying. Example sentence: Working on this project all week was tiresome.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Authenticity has a cohort of semantic fellow-travellers – such as "spontaneity", which is engaging enough in small doses, in dogs and children, but tiresome and selfish in any stretch from adults.

The Guardian - Books

There's a preponderance of bad-faith arguers launching tiresome straw-man attacks, sure, but even the well-meaning can ruin a conversation by barging in demanding answers to basic questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has happened so often it's almost becoming tiresome.

The Guardian - Opinion

And now that the Tories are liberated from the tiresome obsession of the Lib Dems with privacy and human rights, who knows what Theresa May and the spooks are cooking up?

The Guardian - Tech

First published in 1978 as The Inside Story of the Lib-Lab Government, 1977-78, The Pact is a reminder of how tiresome such arrangements can be for the chancellor of the day.

The Guardian

Someone somewhere is doubtless already writing a tiresome thesis about today's S&M consumerist-voyeurist ethos.

The Guardian - Arts

This stuff of court hearings and document preparation is tiresome for a single parent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Played here by Anthony Hopkins, in facial prosthesis and fake belly, and the neither tiny nor particularly birdlike Helen Mirren, Hitch and Alma appear as an indissoluble partnership in art and life, suddenly threatened by pressures from without (no budget) but more from within, particularly by Alfred's tendency, now tiresome to the red-haired Alma, to become obsessed with his leading blondes.

The Guardian - Film

Or simply that the economy was always going to brake more sharply than he expected before the wheels came off?Helen Toft LondonSIR – The Economist's campaign to fill London with foreign students and rich international businessmen is getting tiresome.

The Economist

It also puts paid to all those tiresome, and potentially dangerous, offers of pre-approved credit cards.

The Economist

Good ones, including Mr Jenkin and Andrew Tyrie at the Treasury committee (he is dubbed "Tiresome" by Treasury types), impart order and a sense of purpose.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tiresome" to describe tasks, activities, or people that cause fatigue, boredom, or annoyance. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone you wish to convey, as it can sometimes sound negative.

Common error

Avoid repeating the word "tiresome" too frequently within a single paragraph or piece of writing. Variety in your vocabulary makes your writing more engaging. Use synonyms like "wearisome", "tedious", or "boring" to prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tiresome" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes weariness, boredom, or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tiresome" functions as an adjective to describe something that causes fatigue, boredom, or annoyance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. While applicable in various contexts, including news and business, being mindful of overusing it is crucial. Alternatives like "wearisome" or "tedious" can provide variety and nuance. Using "tiresome" effectively involves understanding its negative connotation and choosing the most appropriate synonym to convey the intended meaning. Top sources like The Economist and The Guardian demonstrate its frequent appearance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wearisome

A more formal synonym for "tiresome", often implying mental fatigue.

tedious

Focuses on the slowness and monotony of something "tiresome".

boring

A general term for something uninteresting and "tiresome".

dull

Implies a lack of excitement or stimulation, making something "tiresome".

monotonous

Highlights the repetitive nature that makes something "tiresome".

irksome

Focuses on the irritating quality of something "tiresome".

annoying

Emphasizes the frustrating aspect of something "tiresome".

exasperating

Suggests a higher degree of frustration and irritation than "tiresome".

draining

Highlights the energy-depleting effect of something "tiresome".

uninteresting

A more neutral way of describing something that lacks appeal, making it "tiresome".

FAQs

How can I use "tiresome" in a sentence?

"Tiresome" can be used to describe something that causes fatigue or boredom. For example, "The long meeting was incredibly tiresome" or "His constant complaining became tiresome after a while".

What are some synonyms for "tiresome"?

Alternatives to "tiresome" include "wearisome", "tedious", "boring", "dull", and "annoying". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tiresome" in formal writing?

Yes, "tiresome" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider the overall tone. In some cases, a more formal synonym like "wearisome" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "tiresome" and "exhausting"?

"Tiresome" implies a mix of boredom and fatigue, while "exhausting" focuses more on physical or mental depletion. Something "exhausting" drains your energy, while something "tiresome" may simply be dull and repetitive. You can use alternatives such as "draining".