downcast

American  

[doun-kast, -kahst] / ˈdaʊnˌkæst, -ˌkɑst /

adjective

1. directed downward, as the eyes.

2. dejected in spirit; depressed.

   Synonyms:

   blue, low, disconsolate, desolate, sad

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noun

1. overthrow or ruin.

2. a downward look or glance.

3. a shaft down which air passes, as into a mine (upcast ).

downcast British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌkɑːst /

adjective

1. dejected

2. (esp of the eyes) directed downwards

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noun

1. mining a ventilation shaft

2. geology another word for downthrow

Other Word Forms

• downcastly adverb
• downcastness noun

Etymology

Origin of downcast

First recorded in 1250–1300, downcast is from the Middle English word douncasten. See down ¹, cast

Example Sentences

Ireland skipper Lorcan Tucker was downcast after his side did not get to play.

From Barron's

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

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

US private-sector hiring data released Wednesday painted a downcast picture of the job market in the world's biggest economy, especially among small businesses.

From Barron's

They may feel downcast that you’ll be moving farther away from where they live.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• discouraged
• forlorn