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..

Definitions by Sense

1. 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.
2. (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.
3. (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.
4. (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.

[H]e would sit over the fire with a book in his hand, staring over it into the red glow with his brows knit, and a dogged, almost sullen look about his mouth. [...] One evening about this time Mrs. Gray, who was a woman of determination, and who had a horror of what she called 'the doldrums,' made up her mind that she had had enough of this kind of thing, and must come to the bottom of this affliction, or temper, or money embarrassment of her son's without further delay.

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.

It is typical for adolescents to respond to the doldrums, feeling dead or numb inside, by sleeping a lot, watching hours upon hours of television, holing up in their room for days on end.

At mid-career, though, boredom has a more insidious effect. [...] It can be a devastating experience to no longer feel excited by what you do or to feel you're not an integral part of an organization. That's when the doldrums set in.

What’s the terrible part of the sailor’s life ask ye, lad? T’ain’t Cap’n, workin’ ‘em double-tide. Nay, no. ‘Tis when the workin’ stops when yer twixt wind and water. Doldrums. Doldrums. Eviler than the Devil. Boredom makes men to villains... And the water goes quick, lad... vanished. And what’s the answer? What be the cure? The only med’cine is drink.

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

Synonyms for doldrums

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When Should You Use Doldrums?

Use doldrums when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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