monotonous

[ muh-not-n-uhs ]

adjective

1. lacking in variety; tediously unvarying:

   the monotonous flat scenery.

   Synonyms: dull, boring, humdrum, tedious

2. characterizing a sound continuing on one note.
3. having very little inflection; limited to a narrow pitch range.

monotonous

/ məˈnɒtənəs /

adjective

1. dull and tedious, esp because of repetition
2. unvarying in pitch or cadence

Derived Forms

• moˈnotonousness, noun
• moˈnotonously, adverb

Other Words From

• mo·noto·nous·ly adverb
• mo·noto·nous·ness noun
• unmo·noto·nous adjective
• unmo·noto·nous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of monotonous¹

From the Late Greek word monótonos, dating back to 1770–80. See mono-, tone, -ous

Example Sentences

I had got to a point where I was getting in a monotonous routine of auditioning, stand-up, podcasting, and waiting to be on people’s stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve found that the idea of greeting the morning with an ovation is just the right amount of silly for my work-from-home and often monotonous single life.

From Los Angeles Times

When you listen carefully, though, there are clear edits between sentences - and the voice, while similar to the principal, sounds quite monotonous.

From BBC

Life can be so monotonous and there are so few things that inspire a sense of genuine wonderment and amazement about life and being alive.

From Los Angeles Times

The pay is terrible, the locations are often remote, and the work is monotonous.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boring
• dreary
• dull
• ho-hum
• humdrum
• plodding
• repetitious
• repetitive
• tedious
• tiresome