The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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tedious

adjective

/ˈtidiəs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of tedious

Long, tiresome, repetitive, and lacking in interest or excitement, often leading to a feeling of monotony or boredom.
"It was a tedious process to fill out all the paperwork."

Detailed meaning of tedious

When we characterize something as tedious, we emphasize its capacity to be dull and draining, suggesting that it requires excessive patience and endurance to complete. Tedious tasks or activities can feel like they are dragging on endlessly, causing mental or physical weariness due to their repetitive or unvarying nature. Similarly, a tedious conversation or lecture may lack engagement and fail to capture attention, resulting in a sense of tedium or monotony. This term conveys a sense of monotony and a lack of enjoyment or stimulation, making it synonymous with the wearisome and uninteresting aspects of life. "Tedious" is often used to describe experiences that are seen as laborious or lacking in enjoyment and excitement.

Example sentences containing tedious

1. The tedious task of data entry, requiring hours of monotonous keystrokes, left employees weary.
2. The lecture's content was dry and tedious, causing attendees to struggle to stay engaged.
3. His job involved a never-ending, tedious routine of paperwork and administrative duties.
4. The meeting felt endlessly tedious and unproductive, with long-winded discussions and no clear outcomes.
5. The commute through traffic was a tedious ordeal, characterized by gridlock and frustration.
6. The paperwork was a tedious and mind-numbing process, with forms and documents to fill out.

History and etymology of tedious

The adjective 'tedious' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'taediosus,' which means 'wearisome' or 'irksome.' This Latin term is derived from 'taedium,' which translates to 'weariness' or 'tedium.' In essence, 'tedious' originally described something that caused weariness or fatigue due to its repetitiveness or dullness. Over time, the term evolved in English to describe things that are long, tiresome, repetitive, and lacking in interest or excitement, often leading to a feeling of monotony or boredom. Therefore, the etymology of 'tedious' underscores its use as an adjective to convey the idea of something that is monotonous and wearisome, often prompting a sense of tedium and ennui.

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Further usage examples of tedious

1. The game's rules seemed unnecessarily tedious, with complex instructions that confused players.
2. The novel's tedious descriptions of scenery and weather slowed the plot's progression.
3. The project became a tedious, time-consuming endeavor, with unexpected setbacks and delays.
4. The movie's tedious dialogue and lengthy monologues made it feel slow-paced and dull.
5. The wait at the doctor's office was excruciatingly tedious, with no magazines to pass the time.
6. The puzzle's tiny pieces and intricate design made it a tedious and challenging puzzle.
7. The gardening task proved to be more tedious than expected, with weeds that seemed never-ending.
8. The computer's slow performance made work feel tedious, with frustrating delays in tasks.
9. The assembly instructions were confusing and tedious, requiring multiple attempts to follow.
10. The renovation project turned into a tedious nightmare, with unexpected structural issues.
11. The process of packing for the move was tedious, involving sorting through years of belongings.
12. The research involved a tedious review of countless documents and archives.
13. The repetitive tasks made the job feel endlessly tedious, leading to burnout among employees.
14. The training seminar was a tedious and dull affair, with lengthy PowerPoint presentations and minimal interaction.