ennui

Definitions of ennui
  1. noun
    something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness
    synonyms: inquiétude, souci
    see moresee less
    types:
    fardeau
    an onerous or difficult concern
    affaire
    a rightful concern or responsibility
    type of:
    stimulus négatif
    a stimulus with undesirable consequences
  2. noun
    the feeling of being bored by something tedious
    see moresee less
    type of:
    insatisfaction, mécontentement
    the feeling of being displeased and discontent
  3. noun
    extreme dullness; lacking spirit or interest
    see moresee less
    type of:
    lourdeur, monotonie
    the quality of lacking interestingness
  4. noun
    an angry disturbance
    synonyms: grand bruit, problème
    see moresee less
    type of:
    dérèglement, perturbation, émoi
    activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘ennui'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing ennui

view more about the vocabulary list
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell

After a shipwreck, Rainsford thinks he's safe when he washes ashore a mysterious island — but once he meets the eccentric General Zaroff, he realizes his problems have just begun. Read the full text here.

100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

view more about the vocabulary list
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley

In this groundbreaking novel, Dr. Victor Frankenstein works feverishly to bring an inanimate creature to life — but when he finally succeeds, he is horrified by what he has unleashed.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS