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.

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

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

All hail the WBC, 20 years old and all grown up, its sixth incarnation stealing the stage in a sweet spot during NBA doldrums and before March Madness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 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

The whole office felt emptied out, ready for the doldrums of summer.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Vocabulary lists containing doldrums

Physical Geography - Middle School

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Physical Geography - High School

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