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

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

Nearly four years later, Zelensky, clad in black, recorded another video near the same spot—more downcast than defiant, preparing his people for the potential loss of a major ally.

From The Wall Street Journal

The next day he was quiet and downcast.

From Los Angeles Times

With shuffling feet and downcast eyes, while making sidelong gargoyle faces at their sister, they handed the letter to their governess.

From Literature

Related Words

• discouraged
• forlorn