German word

langweilig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlaŋˌvaɪ̯lɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveboring

Example

Das langweilige Buch liegt auf dem Tisch.

The boring book is on the table.

Illustration for langweilig (boring)

More examples

Die Aufgabe ist langweilig.

The task is boring.

Core concept

A long, flat stretch of time or activity with nothing to hold attention.

Common phrases

  • ein langweiliges Thema

    a boring topic

  • das langweilige Meeting

    the boring meeting

  • eine langweilige Aufgabe

    a boring task

Similar words

eintönig: Characterized by sameness and repetition that soon becomes tiresome.
langatmig: Drawn out beyond necessity, with a slow pace that makes a speech or text tedious.
öde: Without energy or charm, creating a lifeless and desolate impression.
monoton: Repeating nearly the same sound, tone, or rhythm until it becomes tiring.

Definition in German

Etwas, dem Reiz fehlt, sodass es uninteressant oder eintönig wirkt.

Word origin

Langweilig is formed from the noun Langeweile with the adjective suffix -ig; Langeweile combines lange, meaning 'long', and Weile, meaning 'while' or 'period'.

Usage tips

  • German distinguishes Es ist langweilig, 'it is boring', from Mir ist langweilig, 'I am bored'; Ich bin langweilig means 'I am boring'.

Other meanings

  • dulladjective
  • monotonousadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word