Weariness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weariness

[ˈwɪərɪnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of

The state of being weary; exhaustion from labor or exertion; fatigue.

Synonyms

exhaustion, fatigue, tiredness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weariness

Use 'weariness' to describe a general feeling of being tired, often from a prolonged activity or effort. It can be physical, mental, or emotional.

  • Her weariness was evident after the long week of work
  • // The endless meetings filled him with weariness
tiredness

Use 'tiredness' for a more common, less intense form of feeling tired, often from a lack of sleep or rest.

  • She felt a sense of tiredness after staying up late
  • // His tiredness was noticeable in his droopy eyes
fatigue

Use 'fatigue' to refer to a general and often prolonged sense of tiredness, which can be physical, emotional, or mental. It is commonly used in medical contexts.

  • He experienced chronic fatigue from working long shifts without breaks
  • // Fatigue was setting in after hours of studying
exhaustion

Use 'exhaustion' for a more extreme and severe level of tiredness. It often indicates a state where someone is completely depleted of energy.

  • After running the marathon, she collapsed from exhaustion
  • // He felt a deep sense of exhaustion after staying up all night to finish the project

Examples of usage

  • I could hear the weariness in her voice.
  • She collapsed onto the bed, overwhelmed by weariness.
  • The weariness in his eyes was evident to all who saw him.
Context #2 | Noun

result of

The cause of weariness; something that wearies or tires.

Synonyms

boredom, monotony, tedium.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weariness

Used when describing a state of being very tired or exhausted, often both physically and mentally. It implies a deep sense of fatigue.

  • After working for twelve hours straight, I was overcome with weariness.
  • The weariness in her voice was evident after the long journey.
boredom

Appropriate for situations where someone feels uninterested and has nothing engaging to do. It is often associated with a lack of stimulation.

  • He complained of boredom during the long lecture.
  • She tried to find a hobby to alleviate her boredom.
monotony

Best used to describe a situation or activity that is repetitive and unvarying, leading to a sense of dullness. It often relates to routine activities.

  • The monotony of the assembly line work was getting to him.
  • She dreaded the monotony of her daily commute.
tedium

Refers to the quality of being long, slow, or dull. Often used when an activity feels like it drags on and on, creating a sense of weariness due to its repetitive nature.

  • The tedium of the paperwork made her want to take frequent breaks.
  • He struggled to stay awake during the tedium of the lecture.

Examples of usage

  • The constant noise was a weariness to her ears.
  • The repetitive tasks became a weariness to his mind.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Chronic weariness can be a symptom of mental health issues, often relating to anxiety or depression.
  • Research suggests that emotional fatigue impacts decision-making and can lead to burnout in work or home environments.
  • Mindfulness techniques can help counter feelings of weariness, enabling individuals to refocus their energy.

Pop Culture

  • Weariness is a common theme in literature, often used to depict the struggles of protagonists, like in the works of Shakespeare.
  • Songs and poems frequently express feelings of weariness, symbolizing the human condition and our emotional journeys.
  • Movies often portray weariness through characters who face overwhelming challenges, making their triumphs more resonant.

Health & Wellness

  • Physical weariness can be alleviated through proper hydration, nutrition, and rest, highlighting self-care's importance.
  • Sleep science notes that weariness affects not just physical capabilities but also cognitive functions, impacting memory and learning.
  • Exercising regularly, even in small amounts, can combat feelings of weariness and improve overall energy levels.

Origin of 'weariness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'weri-nes', which denotes a state of being weary or tired.
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, reflecting a shared theme of fatigue across cultures.
  • The prefix 'wear' reflects physical and emotional strain, emphasizing a burden or toll taken over time.

The word 'weariness' dates back to the Middle English period, derived from the Old English word 'werig' meaning 'weary'. Over time, the suffix '-ness' was added to form the noun 'weariness'. The concept of weariness has been a common human experience throughout history, reflecting the physical and mental exhaustion that can result from labor, stress, or monotony.


See also: outerwear, unwear, wear, wearisome, worn.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,398, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.