ennui

noun

ˌän-ˈwē How to pronounce ennui (audio)
Definition of ennuinext
as in boredom
the state of being bored the kind of ennui that comes from having too much time on one's hands and too little will to find something productive to do

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ennui In her new British Vogue cover story, Charli expresses a general ennui toward pop stardom. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 Made when Dunham was in her early 20s, the film is a deadly accurate portrait of post-collegiate ennui, shot partly in her parents’ NYC apartment, and remains fresh and startlingly insightful. — Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 At first Zeke seems the very embodiment of older generations’ complaints about GenZ ennui, but Rice isn’t taking cheap shots — not least since since his elders-but-not-wisers get no more flattering a portrait once George (Camp) enters the scene. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 June 2026 Hong Kong icon Tony Leung has channeled brooding urban energy for the masterpieces of Wong Kar-Wai, balancing the debonair ennui of Marcello Mastroianni with the quiet watchfulness of Montgomery Clift. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ennui
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ennui
boredom
Noun
  • This isn't mere boredom, but chronic exhaustion from performing work employees know is meaningless and potentially automatable, yet cannot openly question.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Swashbuckling and romantic, this story will chase away any signs of summer boredom.
    — Toby Rose, Parents, 30 June 2026
Definition of boredom

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ennobling
ennui
enormity
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“Ennui.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ennui. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ennui

Nglish: Translation of ennui for Spanish Speakers

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