Quick answer
Ennui means a weary feeling of boredom, dissatisfaction, or listless restlessness. It is usually pronounced ahn-WEE, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Ennui
Ennui means a weary feeling of boredom, dissatisfaction, or listless restlessness. It belongs to emotions and peculiar mind states and works best in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
emotionsmind-stateexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, ennui refers to a weary feeling of boredom, dissatisfaction, or listless restlessness. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Ennui feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Ennui is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Ennui is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as ennui.
- In the novel, one ennui is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used ennui in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain ennui before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating ennui because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use ennui when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
Similar words
addled, agita, angst, befogged, besotted
Opposite or contrasting words
calm, ease, composure
Common questions
- What does ennui mean? a weary feeling of boredom, dissatisfaction, or listless restlessness.
- How do you pronounce ennui? It is commonly pronounced ahn-WEE.
- Is ennui still used today? Ennui is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use ennui? Use ennui when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in feelings, moods, and those oddly specific mental states that plain vocabulary misses.
- What words are similar to ennui? Similar words include addled, agita, angst, and befogged.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.