What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tedious
Example
The lecture was so tedious that I fell asleep. [tedious: adjective]
Example
It's a tedious process to fill out all these forms. [tedious: adjective]
tiresome
Example
It's tiresome to deal with difficult customers all day. [tiresome: adjective]
Example
The constant noise from the construction site is really tiresome. [tiresome: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tedious is more commonly used than tiresome in everyday language. Tedious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while tiresome is less common and has a stronger negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tedious and tiresome?
Both tedious and tiresome are informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, tedious can also be used in formal writing, while tiresome is more commonly used in informal settings.