Ennui
hardon-WEE
noun
Definition
A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement
Examples
“After months of the same routine, she felt overwhelmed by ennui.”
“The long winter induced a sense of ennui in the small town.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Ennui is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "boredom" or "tedium" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "excitement".
Related GRE Words
lethargy
A lack of energy and enthusiasm; sluggishness
malaise
A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease
torpor
A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy
trepidation
A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
consternation
A feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
sanguine
Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
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