What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boredom
Example
I experienced extreme boredom during the long lecture. [boredom: noun]
Example
She felt bored with her daily routine and needed something new. [bored: adjective]
tedium
Example
The repetitive tasks at work filled him with tedium. [tedium: noun]
Example
I find cleaning the house to be a tedious chore. [tedious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boredom is more commonly used than tedium in everyday language. Boredom is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while tedium is less common and tends to be used in specific situations involving repetitive or monotonous tasks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boredom and tedium?
Both boredom and tedium are considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
