B2adjective2K

Dull

UK /["/dʌl/"]/US /["/dʌl/"]/

Definition

not interesting or exciting

In simple words: Not interesting or exciting; boring.

Examples

  • The knife is too dull to cut through the cardboard.
  • After hours of a dull lecture, the students began to lose focus.
  • She felt dull and tired after working all day without a break.
  • The sky was dull and gray, signaling an overcast day.
  • His dull personality made it difficult for him to engage with others.
  • The colors in the old painting were dull and faded.
  • My head feels dull after waking up from a deep sleep.

Usage notes

Use 'dull' to describe something boring or lacking excitement. It can refer to activities, objects, or even periods in time. Avoid using it for formal or positive contexts.

Grammar pattern

dull + object

Memory hint

Dull sounds like 'doll' - imagine a boring toy that doesn't do anything.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • dreary
  • overcast
  • stupid

Antonyms

  • exciting
  • interesting
  • lively

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'dull' vs 'dole'
  • Using 'dull' to describe food that is flavorless (use 'bland')
  • Saying 'more dull' instead of 'duller'