Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

deadening

deadening , adjective

[present participle of verb deaden{3}.]

Rendering less lively, intense, or vigorous; as, the deadening effect of some routine tasks.
2.
So lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness; as, the deadening effect of some routine tasks.

deadening , noun

The act of making something futile and useless (as by routine).