Bored to distraction Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbɔɹd/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /dɪˈstɹækʃən

BORD tuh dis-TRAK-shun

UK

bˈɔːd/ /tˈuː/ /dɪstɹˈækʃən

BAWD tuh dis-TRAK-shun

Definition

Extremely bored, to the point that you cannot pay attention or think properly because of how boring something is.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is informal and emphasizes an extreme, almost painful level of boredom. Often used hyperbolically or to complain. Commonly follows structures like 'I was bored to distraction during...' or 'He was bored to distraction by...'. Not used in formal writing.

• Spanish: aburrido hasta el extremo
• Portuguese (BR): entediado ao extremo
• Portuguese (PT): aborrecido até à distração
• Chinese (Simplified): 无聊得发疯
• Chinese (Traditional): 無聊到快瘋掉
• Hindi: बहुत ज़्यादा बोर होना
• Arabic: شديد الملل لدرجة الشرود
• Bengali: একেবারে একঘেয়ে হয়ে যাওয়া
• Russian: до смерти скучно
• Japanese: 退屈で気が散るほど
• Vietnamese: chán đến mức không chịu nổi
• Korean: 지루해서 미칠 지경
• Turkish: canı sıkıntıdan delirmek
• Urdu: انتہا درجے کی بوریت
• Indonesian: bosan sampai stres

Example Sentences

I was bored to distraction during the long lecture.

basic

The children were bored to distraction on the bus ride.

basic

He is bored to distraction with this puzzle.

basic

Honestly, I was bored to distraction at that meeting—couldn't wait to leave.

natural

If I have to hear that story again, I'll be bored to distraction.

natural

She looked bored to distraction by the endless small talk at the party.

natural