Ennui Meaning: What Is Ennui? (Pronunciation and Examples)
It’s Sunday afternoon. You have free time, a phone full of apps and a fridge full of snacks — yet nothing feels interesting. You scroll, sigh, and scroll again. That heavy, restless feeling has an elegant name: ennui.
Ennui means a deep feeling of boredom, weariness and dissatisfaction — often caused by a lack of excitement, purpose or meaningful activity.
If feelings of emptiness or low mood last for weeks, it may be worth talking to a healthcare professional.
Ennui at a Glance
| Detail | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Pronunciation | on-WEE |
| Origin | French ennui — “boredom, annoyance” |
| Synonyms | Listlessness, tedium, weariness, malaise |
| Opposite | Enthusiasm, excitement, zest |
Ennui vs Boredom
| Boredom | Ennui |
|---|---|
| Short-term, situational | Deeper, longer-lasting |
| “This lecture is boring.” | “Nothing in life excites me lately.” |
| Fixed by a new activity | Often linked to meaning and purpose |
Examples
- “A wave of ennui settled over him during the long winter.”
- “Many novels explore the ennui of wealthy characters with nothing to do.”
Ennui in Literature
French writers and philosophers often explored ennui as a sense of existential emptiness. Poet Charles Baudelaire famously wrote about ennui in Les Fleurs du mal (1857).
How to Shake Off Ennui
- Try something new — a recipe, route or hobby.
- Move your body — walks help reset mood.
- Create something — see things to make when bored.
- Connect with people.
- Set small goals — see how to set and achieve goals.
Editor’s Note
Ennui often signals that we need meaning, not just entertainment. Small purposeful actions usually help more than more scrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce ennui?
on-WEE.
Is ennui the same as depression?
No. Ennui is boredom and listlessness; depression is a medical condition. If low mood persists, seek professional support.
What is a sentence with ennui?
“The endless rainy days filled her with ennui.”
Summary
Ennui = deep boredom and dissatisfaction. Purpose, movement and creativity often help. Related: affirmations for energy.
