tedium

tedium, boredom, ennui, doldrums are comparable when they denote a state of dissatisfaction and weariness. Tedium suggests a repression of energy for lack of a proper or adequate outlet, and dullness or lowness of spirits resulting from irksome inactivity or from the irksome monotony of one's pursuits or surroundings

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incessant recurrence without variety breeds tedium— Lowes

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able boys and girls will go through endless tedium . . . to acquire some coveted knowledge or skill— Russell

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Boredom adds to tedium suggestions of listlessness, dreariness, and unrest resulting either from a lack of interest in one's pursuits or surroundings or from the fact that they pall or fail to excite interest

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I suppose I shall go on "existing" till the boredom of it becomes too great— J. R. Green

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wealthy indolent women . . . who got up at noon and spent the rest of the day trying to relieve their boredom— Dahl

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Ennui stresses profound dissatisfaction, discontent, or weariness of spirit; usually it suggests physical depression, languor, or lassitude as well as boredom

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that ennui, that terrible taedium vitae, that comes on those to whom life denies nothing— Wilde

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the inexhaustible power and activity of his mind leave him no leisure for ennui— Arnold

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Doldrums applies to a phase or period of depression that in persons may be marked by listlessness, despondency, and flagging energy

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Lotharioism is simple monogamy's doldrums multiplied, and with thrice monogamy's duties— Nathan

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or in more general applications (as to economic activity) may be marked by inactivity and dullness.

Analogous words: irksomeness, tediousness, tiresomeness, wearisomeness (see corresponding adjectives at IRKSOME): melancholy, dumps, blues, gloom (see SADNESS)