ennuis

Ennui is a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of excitement, novelty, or meaning in daily life. In English usage, it denotes a deeper, more persistent form of boredom than a momentary distraction, often accompanied by weariness, indifference, or a sense of existential malaise.

Etymology: The word derives from the French ennui, meaning boredom or annoyance, and was borrowed into English in the 18th or 19th century. In French, ennui can refer to a general sense of unease as well as to specific causes of irritation, such as tedious routine or social constraint. The term carries connotations of refined melancholy and introspective unease.

In psychology and critical theory, ennui is discussed as a response to modern life characterized by routine, alienation, and a perceived lack of meaning. It is typically viewed as more persistent and reflective than simple boredom, sometimes provoking introspection, critique, or creative impulse rather than mere discomfort.

Historically, ennui is associated with 19th-century French literature and other European contexts where aristocratic or highly educated figures experience melancholy as a driving mood. In arts and culture, the term has carried connotations of sophisticated detachment, existential questioning, and a sensibility tied to urban modernity.

Usage notes: In English, ennui is usually treated as an uncountable noun; the plural ennuis appears mainly in French usage or when referring to multiple, distinct instances of boredom or malaise.

See also: boredom, existentialism, malaise, listlessness, disaffection.