Definitions

downcast

[doun-kast, -kahst] / ˈdaʊnˌkæst, -ˌkɑst /

ADJECTIVE

depressed, unhappy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discouraged forlorn

STRONG

bad blue brooding down low moody

WEAK

bummed out cast down chapfallen cheerless crestfallen daunted dejected despondent disappointed disconsolate disheartened dismayed dispirited distressed doleful down in the dumps down-in-the-mouth downhearted dragged droopy dull gloomy glum heartsick in pain listless low-spirited miserable mopey morose oppressed sad shot down singing the blues sunk troubled weighed down woebegone

Antonyms

STRONG

above cheerful decent gay happy honest upright

WEAK

elated glad heartened satisfied

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.

The somewhat downcast outlook for earnings per share wasn’t surprising, said BofA Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Spurs interim manager Igor Tudor looks downcast during the home defeat by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Mr. Bryan’s stock-in-trade is the downcast ballad that seems to be recalled during a late night after a few drinks and with the TV flickering somewhere in the background.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

US private-sector hiring data released Wednesday painted a downcast picture of the job market in the world's biggest economy, especially among small businesses.

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

I forced myself to look at Hassan, but his head was downcast, his shoulders slumped, his finger twirling a loose string on the hem of his shirt.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

Vocabulary lists containing downcast

Cry Me A River: Synonyms for "Sad"

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Bridge to Terabithia

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Front Desk

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!