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.

Then came drenching storms, followed by the maddening doldrums.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

A golden period for snooker - but are UK clubs returning from doldrums?

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Despite the fact that, by and large, Americans have never been richer External link, consumer sentiment is in the doldrums.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

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

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Vocabulary lists containing doldrums

Physical Geography - Middle School

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Words You Need to See in the Wild

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Physical Geography - High School

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!