What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boring
Example
The lecture was so boring that I struggled to stay awake. [boring: adjective]
Example
I find history classes boring because they are not interactive. [boring: present participle]
tiresome
Example
Cleaning the house can be tiresome, especially when you have to do it every day. [tiresome: adjective]
Example
I find long meetings with no breaks to be tiresome and mentally draining. [tiresome: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boring is more commonly used than tiresome in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, such as describing a movie, book, or activity. On the other hand, tiresome is slightly less common but still widely understood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boring and tiresome?
Both boring and tiresome can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, boring is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations, making it slightly more formal than tiresome.