Doldrums

Quick meaning: Doldrums is a noun meaning Usually preceded by the: a state of apathy or lack of interest; a situation where one feels boredom, ennui, or tedium; a state of listlessness or malaise.

Meaning

Usually preceded by the: a state of apathy or lack of interest; a situation where one feels boredom, ennui, or tedium; a state of listlessness or malaise.

More Meanings

1. (nautical) Usually preceded by the: the state of a sailing ship when it is impeded by calms or light, baffling winds, and is unable to make progress.
2. (nautical, oceanography, by extension) Usually preceded by the: a part of the ocean near the equator where calms, squalls, and light, baffling winds are common.
3. (obsolete) plural of doldrum (“slothful or stupid person”)

Example Sentences

I was in the doldrums yesterday and just didn’t feel inspired.

[T]aken very ill in Cheapside—three pennyworth of brandy, and got home to bed at nine, in the doldrums.

[F]rom the bluff-head, where I watched to-day, / I saw her in the doldrums; for the wind / Was light and baffling.

1987 The economic doldrums from oil prices continue to affect the state, causing many to lose their jobs and leave, banks to foreclose on property, and businesses to go bankrupt.

Synonyms for doldrums

Depending on context, synonyms include dumps, calms, stagnation, stagnancy.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include stagnation, stagnancy, sluggishness, difficulties, slowdown, slump.

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