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

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

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

But the blaze penetrates the room, lighting it up in stripes: Toukhie’s panicked eyes; Anita’s forehead, wrapped with a silver ribbon like Clara Bow’s in Photoplay; Rose’s bare neck; Stepan’s and Karekin’s dark, downcast heads.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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!