doldrums

American  

[dohl-druhmz, dol-, dawl-] / ˈdoʊl drəmz, ˈdɒl-, ˈdɔl- /

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

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doldrums British  

/ 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

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doldrums Scientific  

/ dōl′drəmz′ /

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.

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doldrums Idioms  

1. see in the doldrums.

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Etymology

Origin of doldrums

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

Example Sentences

Many of crypto’s biggest players trooped to Abu Dhabi last week, hoping to secure deals with deep-pocketed Emirati investors who could inject fresh vigor into the industry following two months in the doldrums.

From The Wall Street Journal

The AI trade may be in the doldrums, but banks are suddenly picking up the slack.

From Barron's

“That the home construction sector is in the doldrums is evidenced by the continuation of depression level sales volume for single-family detached housing and continued increases in median prices,” the report said.

From Los Angeles Times

Nine months on, the Vikings are in the doldrums of a disappointing season.

From The Wall Street Journal

During the doldrums of early April, did you consider selling your equity portfolio to move to the sidelines and come back after the stock market had recovered?

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• gloom
• malaise
• slump
• stagnation
• stupor