Dullness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something lacks interest, excitement, or brightness. It can describe both emotions and physical qualities like color or sound.

• After hours of reading the same reports, a sense of dullness overtook him.
• The dullness of the lecture made it hard for students to pay attention.

Refers to a state of being uninterested or having nothing to do. It is a common emotion and can be short-term or persistent.

• She felt a wave of boredom while waiting for the bus.
• The long meeting brought a sense of boredom among the attendees.

Indicates a state of being tiresome or monotonous. It is often used to describe tasks or situations that require lengthy, repetitive actions. Can have a slightly negative connotation.

• Filing all these papers is pure tedium.
• The tedium of waiting in line tested his patience.

Describes a repetitive, unvarying situation or experience, often leading to boredom. It emphasizes the lack of variation in activities or surroundings.

• The monotony of his daily routine made him long for a vacation.
• Working in the factory every day can lead to a sense of monotony.

Used to describe something that lacks excitement, interest, or brightness. It can apply to both objects, such as colors or activities, as well as to people or their behavior.

• The meeting was marked by dullness, with no engaging discussions.
• The dullness of the gray walls made the room feel uninviting.

Often used to refer to a low level of light or clarity. It can describe a setting where the lighting is insufficient or someone's understanding is not clear.

• The dimness in the room made it hard to read the book.
• He tried to explain the concept, but there was still dimness in his understanding.

Describes something that is dull and lacks color or excitement. Often used to talk about things that look boring or unappealing, especially in terms of appearance or atmosphere.

• The drabness of the office decor made it an uninspiring place to work.
• Her outfit's drabness was noticeable among the brightly dressed crowd.

Associated with a bleak, depressing, or gloomy atmosphere. It often conveys a sense of sadness or lack of cheer, typically used for describing places or situations.

• The dreariness of the rainy day made everyone feel sleepy and low-spirited.
• Living in such dreariness took a toll on her mental health.