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

But the Lakers went through December doldrums losing four out of five.

From Los Angeles Times

While headline investment returned to growth in January-February, the rebound was mostly driven by strong public spending, and private investment continued to decline as the property sector stayed in the doldrums.

From The Wall Street Journal

A modest decline in oil prices on Monday proved enough to lift U.S. stocks out of last week’s doldrums, with investors showing cautious optimism about efforts to resolve the Middle East energy crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal

All hail the WBC, 20 years old and all grown up, its sixth incarnation stealing the stage in a sweet spot during NBA doldrums and before March Madness.

From Los Angeles Times

But overall the fallout from the war is another blow for Europe's traditional industrial powerhouse as it is struggling to rebound after a long period in the doldrums.

From Barron's

Related Words

• gloom
• malaise
• slump
• stagnation
• stupor