doldrums

[dohl-druhmz, dol-, dawl-]

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art.

   August is a time of doldrums for many enterprises.

2. the doldrums,

   1. a belt of calms and light baffling winds north of the equator between the northern and southern trade winds in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

   2. the weather prevailing in this area.

3. a dull, listless, depressed mood; low spirits.

   Synonyms: dejection, melancholy, gloom, depression

doldrums

/ ˈdɒldrəmz /

noun

1. a depressed or bored state of mind

2. a state of inactivity or stagnation

3. 1. a belt of light winds or calms along the equator

   2. the weather conditions experienced in this belt, formerly a hazard to sailing vessels

doldrums

1. A region of the globe found over the oceans near the equator in the intertropical convergence zone and having weather characterized variously by calm air, light winds, or squalls and thunderstorms. Hurricanes originate in this region.

Word History and Origins

Origin of doldrums¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; obsolete dold stupid ( dolt ) + -rum(s) (plural) noun suffix ( tantrum )

Word History and Origins

Origin of doldrums¹

C19: probably from Old English dol _dull , influenced by _tantrum

Idioms and Phrases

see in the doldrums.

Example Sentences

The release is a welcome surprise for theater owners — particularly in the doldrums of summer, when even late breakout hits like Warner Bros.’ horror film “Weapons” have been out for weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

Left with nowhere to go but up, the show has, shockingly, begun to hoist these women out of the doldrums — at least for now.

From Salon

He constantly saved the Lions - in 1989 they were in the doldrums after some wretched tours in the 80s and he resurrected them with a series win in Australia.

From BBC

With one foot in either place, we’re pulled between the impish naivete of childhood — when the future seemed vast and bright — and the doldrums of adulthood.

From Salon

If nothing else, they’re a fun way to shake our winter doldrums and marvel at how inventive people can be with flowers, shrubs, grasses and trees.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gloom 
• malaise 
• slump 
• stagnation 
• stupor