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.

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

The next day he was quiet and downcast.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

The same goes for “Child Bride,” a downcast and disturbing tale later reworked into the up-tempo guitar-pop tune “Working on the Highway.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

Almost two hundred tired, gaunt, downcast men stood holding their parachute packs in a somber and unstirring crowd outside the briefing room, their faces staring blankly in different angles of stunned dejection.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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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