Definitions

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.

The somewhat downcast outlook for earnings per share wasn’t surprising, said BofA Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

He must also wait to see how long he is without Romero, whose downcast departure wiping away tears was yet another twist in this harrowing season.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 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

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

Then Gandalf and Beregond taking up the bier bore it away towards the Houses of Healing, while behind them walked Pippin with downcast head.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing downcast

Cry Me A River: Synonyms for "Sad"

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Bridge to Terabithia

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Front Desk

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!