# prosaic

/pɹoʊˈzeɪɪk/ (US) · /pɹəsˈeɪɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prosaic
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

ordinary, boring, or not very exciting. You use this to describe things that are plain and lack imagination, like a simple daily routine.

For teachers: lacking poetic beauty or imaginative quality; commonplace and unromantic. Often used to contrast everyday reality with more elevated or artistic ideals.

## Examples

- The movie had a very prosaic ending.
- Despite the grand promises of the campaign, the actual work of governing proved to be quite prosaic.
- The architect's vision was eventually compromised by prosaic concerns regarding the budget and local building regulations, resulting in a structure that lacked its original flair.

## Synonyms

dull, boring, mundane, ordinary, commonplace, pedestrian, unimaginative

## Antonyms

exciting, imaginative, interesting, extraordinary

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.