# repetitive

/ɹɪˈpɛtɪtɪv/ (US) · /ɹɪpˈɛtɪtˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/repetitive
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

happening again and again in a way that is boring or annoying. You use this to describe tasks or sounds that never seem to change.

For teachers: characterised by frequent repetition, often to the point of monotony or tedium. Frequently modifies nouns related to labor, motion, or auditory patterns.

## Examples

- The factory job involves repetitive movements all day.
- I had to quit the data entry position because the work was too repetitive and lacked any creative challenge.
- The composer uses repetitive melodic fragments to create a hypnotic effect, though some critics find the lack of harmonic progression exhausting over long periods.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The work is very repeat." but "The work is very repetitive." — Learners sometimes use the verb 'repeat' or the noun 'repetition' where the descriptive adjective 'repetitive' is required.

## Usage notes

- Typically precedes the noun it modifies; often used with 'monotonous' or 'tedious' as synonyms.

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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.