World-weary

World-weary describes a state of profound emotional and physical exhaustion stemming from prolonged exposure to the perceived evils, injustices, or disappointments of the world. It often manifests as cynicism, detachment, boredom, and a loss of interest in life's usual pursuits. This state can arise from personal experiences, observation of societal ills, or a combination of both. The individual may exhibit a weary acceptance of life's struggles, coupled with a lack of enthusiasm and a diminished capacity for joy or surprise. The intensity can vary, from a mild sense of disillusionment to a deep, debilitating apathy. World-weariness is often accompanied by a sense of having "seen it all" and feeling jaded by the relentless cycle of human failings.

World-weary meaning with examples

• After years of covering political scandals, the seasoned journalist developed a world-weary attitude, approaching each new revelation with a shrug and a sigh. His initial idealism had long since faded, replaced by a weary resignation to the inevitable corruption.
• The protagonist, a detective hardened by countless solved cases, exhibited world-weary charm, masking deep sadness under a facade of detached amusement. Every crime seemed to reaffirm humanity’s dark potential.
• Travelers often describe encountering world-weary individuals when exploring areas of conflict, finding them numbed to the hardships. This jaded perspective is the unavoidable consequence of witnessing so much loss and devastation.
• After working tirelessly in the charity sector for two decades, the social worker felt an increasing sense of world-weariness. While still passionate, she felt increasingly powerless to fix the systematic failures that fueled so much suffering.
• The artist's paintings conveyed a world-weary aesthetic, using muted colors and melancholic figures to reflect a sense of societal fatigue, a feeling that was embraced by the jaded art community.