To be bored means to feel restless and uninterested because nothing around you seems engaging or worthwhile. When you're bored, time drags. A math worksheet that feels too easy might bore you. Sitting through a long car ride with nothing to do can leave you bored and fidgety. Even fun activities can become boring if you do them too many times in a row.

Boredom is that itchy, dissatisfied feeling that makes you want to do something, even though you're not sure what. Some people think being bored means there's nothing to do, but it can also mean you haven't found the right thing yet. A bored student staring out the window might discover a fascinating book if they keep looking.

Boredom can also spark creativity: when your mind isn't occupied, it starts wandering and making new connections. Scientists who study the brain have found that feeling bored sometimes can give your imagination room to wake up.