Word
weariness
Phoneticsweari·ness
US/ˈwɪɹinəs/
UK/wˈiəɹɪnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a feeling of being very tired in your body or mind. You notice it after long work, little sleep, or too much worry.
n. physical or mental exhaustion after long effort, stress, or lack of rest. Often extends to emotional fatigue or loss of interest caused by prolonged strain or repetition.
Examples
“His voice shows weariness after the long day.”
“She rubs her eyes, and her weariness shows after working two night shifts in a row.”
“A quiet weariness settled over the travellers as the train crossed the dark plains, dulling conversation to brief, tired smiles.”
Examples
simple
“His voice shows weariness after the long day.”
contextual
“She rubs her eyes, and her weariness shows after working two night shifts in a row.”
complex
“A quiet weariness settled over the travellers as the train crossed the dark plains, dulling conversation to brief, tired smiles.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “weariness” in context.
Verb
01. betray weariness
“His slow reply and flat tone betrayed weariness after the crisis talks.”
verb + noun
02. combat weariness
“Short walks and fresh air help combat weariness during long study sessions.”
verb + noun
03. overcome weariness
“He drank strong coffee to overcome weariness before the night drive.”
verb + noun
04. shake off weariness
“She splashed cold water on her face to shake off weariness.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
05. deep weariness
“His voice carried a deep weariness after years of night shifts.”
adj + noun
06. growing weariness
“There was growing weariness among staff after months of overtime.”
adj + noun
07. mental weariness
“Months of revision left her struggling with deep mental weariness.”
adj + noun
08. physical weariness
“After the marathon, physical weariness settled into every muscle in his legs.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. sense of weariness
“There was a growing sense of weariness with endless political debates.”
noun + prep + noun
10. eyes heavy with weariness
“The child climbed into bed, eyes heavy with weariness.”
11. overcome a sense of weariness
“Regular breaks helped the nurses overcome a sense of weariness.”
12. shake off deep weariness
“A brisk walk in the cold air helped him shake off deep weariness.”
Etymology
From Middle English werynes, werinesse, from Old English wēriġnes (“weariness”), equivalent to weary + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/weariness