Ennui is a deep feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction that comes from having nothing interesting or meaningful to do. When someone experiences ennui, they feel weary and restless, as if nothing can spark their interest or energy. This goes beyond the temporary boredom you might feel on a rainy afternoon. Ennui is heavier and more draining.

The word comes from French and describes a particularly listless kind of boredom. Imagine a student who has already mastered everything in their grade and feels unchallenged and uninspired, or someone who has grown so tired of their daily routine that everything feels pointless and dull. That heavy, draining feeling is ennui.

Ennui can strike when life feels too predictable or when someone lacks a sense of purpose. A character in a novel might feel ennui while stuck in a boring town with nothing to do. Unlike temporary boredom that disappears once you find something fun, ennui settles in and makes everything seem tiresome.

People sometimes say that finding new challenges, pursuing genuine interests, or discovering meaningful work can help with ennui. When people talk about teenage ennui, they're describing the restless dissatisfaction some teenagers feel when they're searching for their purpose and identity.