monotony

[ muh-not-n-ee ]

noun

1. wearisome uniformity or lack of variety, as in occupation or scenery.
2. the continuance of an unvarying sound; monotone.
3. sameness of tone or pitch, as in speaking.

monotony

/ məˈnɒtənɪ /

noun

1. wearisome routine; dullness
2. lack of variety in pitch or cadence

Word History and Origins

Origin of monotony¹

1700–10; < Late Greek monotonía, equivalent to monóton ( os ) monotonous + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

The monotony of the treatment on Freeman’s ankle — hours of it, every day — does not guarantee that healing is happening.

From Los Angeles Times

A season of monotony has played out with a numbing sameness on the interior of UCLA’s defensive line.

From Los Angeles Times

Determined to keep his mind focused amid the monotony of prison, he picked up a booked called The Art of Photography – considered by some to be a classic of the genre.

From BBC

Even the word, beginning and ending with similar vowel qualities, evinces monotony.

From Los Angeles Times

But the company of Southgate – no punk fan, but curious and keen to break the monotony of their tournament base - was the clincher.

From BBC

Related Words

• tedium