ennui

[ɑ̃nˈwi]

ennui Definition

a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

Using ennui: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ennui" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He felt a sense of ennui after finishing his project.

  • Example

    The long summer days brought on a feeling of ennui.

  • Example

    She tried to shake off the ennui by taking up new hobbies.

ennui Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with ennui

  • a deep sense of boredom and dissatisfaction with life, often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and despair

    Example

    After losing his job, he fell into a state of existential ennui.

  • a sense of boredom and dissatisfaction that arises from the monotony and routine of daily life in modern society

    Example

    Many people experience the ennui of modern life and seek ways to break free from it.

  • ennui-buster

    something that helps to alleviate boredom and listlessness

    Example

    Going for a walk in the park is a great ennui-buster.

Origins of ennui

from French 'ennui', meaning 'boredom'

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Summary: ennui in Brief

'Ennui' [ɑ̃nˈwi] is a noun that refers to a feeling of dissatisfaction or boredom that arises from a lack of excitement or occupation. It can be used to describe a general sense of malaise or a specific situation, such as 'The long summer days brought on a feeling of ennui.' 'Ennui' can also be used in phrases like 'existential ennui,' which describes a deep sense of boredom and dissatisfaction with life, and 'ennui-buster,' which refers to something that helps alleviate boredom.