doldrums

[dohl-druhmz, dol-, dawl-] / ˈdoʊl drəmz, ˈdɒl-, ˈdɔl- /

NOUN

depression

Synonyms

STRONGEST

gloom malaise slump stagnation stupor

STRONG

apathy blahs blues boredom bummer dejection disinterest downer dullness dumps ennui funk inactivity indifference inertia lassitude letdown listlessness mopes tedium torpor yawn

WEAK

black mood blue funk dismals

Antonyms

STRONG

concern excitement feeling happiness interest liveliness sympathy

WEAK

elation gladness glee joy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite the fact that, by and large, Americans have never been richer External link, consumer sentiment is in the doldrums.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

In the doldrums of COVID, Gil would come around to check in on the renovation.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Linda had not merely been there to stave off the post-Beatles doldrums.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

WPP slashed dividends and said it would overhaul its operations, opening the door to selling some businesses, as new boss Cindy Rose outlined her plan to lift the U.K. advertising group out of the doldrums.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

After three weeks of the doldrums I made Ruth May get out of bed.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Vocabulary lists containing doldrums

Physical Geography - Middle School

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Physical Geography - High School

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