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

But the Lakers went through December doldrums losing four out of five.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

Yet while consumer sentiment has been in the doldrums since 2020, it has inched even lower in the past 12 months.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

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

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver