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.

Steven Spielberg offers another alien tale with ‘Disclosure Day,’ Olivia Rodrigo embraces downcast love songs on her new record, an exhibition in Chicago focuses on Willem de Kooning’s drawings, and more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

But Verstappen was downcast to be nearly a second off the pace in the Red Bull.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Ireland skipper Lorcan Tucker was downcast after his side did not get to play.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

When she started releasing mixtapes a few years later, she specialized in downcast R&B, singing conversationally over rap beats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

“Is that all?” asked Jo, as Mrs. March looked silently at the downcast face of her pretty daughter, and could not find it in her heart to blame her little follies.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Vocabulary lists containing downcast

Cry Me A River: Synonyms for "Sad"

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Bridge to Terabithia

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Front Desk

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