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

But with negotiations in the doldrums, new weekend drone attacks on Gulf countries and fresh threats from US President Donald Trump have heightened fears that fighting could resume.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Manchester United captains, talismen and inspirations; both eager that the club continues to climb out of the doldrums and reconnect with a glorious past Rooney was part of before Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 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

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Physical Geography - High School

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