tedious

Tedious is an adjective used to describe something that causes weariness or boredom because of its length, dullness, or repetitive detail. It is often applied to tasks, routines, speeches, or processes that require sustained attention with little variation. The term emphasizes the experience of tedium rather than the subject’s intrinsic unpleasantness, distinguishing it from moments of genuine interest or excitement.

Etymology traces the word to Latin taediosus meaning wearisome, from taedere “to weary” or “to bore.” It passed into English via Old French tedieux or taedieux before taking its current form in Middle English.

In usage, tedious often conveys a subjective reaction and can be somewhat evaluative; two people may judge the same task differently depending on motivation, context, or presentation. It is commonly used for long lectures, extensive paperwork, bureaucratic procedures, or repetitive workflows that lack variation or engaging elements.

Related terms include tiresome, wearisome, monotonous, repetitive, dull, and dreary. Antonyms such as engaging, interesting, stimulating, and exciting describe experiences that counteract tedium. The word is versatile across domains, from academic writing to everyday description, and remains a standard descriptor for experiences that feel excessively lengthy or unvaried.