What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dingy
Example
The walls of the old house were dingy and covered in cobwebs. [dingy: adjective]
Example
The basement was so dingy that I could barely see anything. [dingy: adjective]
Example
He wore a dingy old shirt that had seen better days. [dingy: adjective]
dull
Example
The sky was dull and gray, with no sign of sunshine. [dull: adjective]
Example
The lecture was so dull that I fell asleep halfway through. [dull: adjective]
Example
The knife was dull and couldn't cut through the meat. [dull: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dull is more commonly used than dingy in everyday language. Dull is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dingy is less common and refers to a specific type of unappealing appearance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dingy and dull?
Both dingy and dull are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations or writing. However, dull can also be used in formal contexts to describe a lack of interest or excitement.
