1
Repetitive task
Require the same uninteresting action many times.
Example
Checking thousands of entries by hand was tedious.
tedious
/ˈtiːdiəs/ · TEE-dee-uhsadjective
Boring, repetitive, and tiresome because it continues too long.
Use tedious for work, explanation, or repetition that demands patience while offering little interest.
What tedious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Overlong explanation
Continue beyond what interest or need justifies.
Example
The lecture became tedious as examples accumulated.
3
Monotonous process
Proceed slowly with little variation.
Example
Restoring the mosaic was tedious but necessary work.
Use tedious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Checking thousands of entries by hand was tedious.
The lecture became tedious as examples accumulated.
Restoring the mosaic was tedious but necessary work.
Precision Matters
Tedious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
tedious
vs.Is wearisome because of length or repetition.
mundane
Is ordinary or everyday.
tedious
vs.Is monotonous and tiring.
insipid
Lacks flavour or vigour.
tedious
vs.Describes the experience of the work.
meticulous
Describes the care used to perform it.
tedious
vs.Is boring and wearisome.
engaging
Sustains interest—the contrast.
Test tedious in Context
The task is long, repetitive, and tiring.
1
Manually comparing every symbol in the two manuscripts was ___ work, requiring hours of repetitive attention.