Word
monotonous
Phoneticsmo·not·o·nous, stress on the second syllable
US/məˈnɑtənəs/
UK/mənˈɒtənəs/
Definition
adj. describing something that is very boring because it does not change or vary at all. You use this to talk about a job, a sound, or a pattern that feels the same every day.
adj. lacking variety or change; characterized by a single, unchanging pattern or sound. Often used to describe repetitive tasks or environments that fail to engage the senses.
Examples
“The long drive on the highway was monotonous.”
“Working the same shift every day at the factory became so monotonous that he started looking for a new job.”
“The critic argued that the film's monotonous pacing and lack of narrative tension made it a difficult experience for even the most patient viewers.”
Examples
simple
“The long drive on the highway was monotonous.”
contextual
“Working the same shift every day at the factory became so monotonous that he started looking for a new job.”
complex
“The critic argued that the film's monotonous pacing and lack of narrative tension made it a difficult experience for even the most patient viewers.”
Real-World Examples
“Their tone can be more monotonous or robotic; they can take longer pauses.” Etymology
From monotone + -ous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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