downcast

[doun-kast, -kahst]

adjective

1. directed downward, as the eyes.

2. dejected in spirit; depressed.

   Synonyms: blue, low, disconsolate, desolate, sad

noun

1. overthrow or ruin.

2. a downward look or glance.

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

downcast

/ ˈdaʊnˌkɑːst /

adjective

1. dejected

2. (esp of the eyes) directed downwards

noun

1. mining a ventilation shaft

2. geology another word for downthrow

Other Word Forms

• downcastly adverb
• downcastness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of downcast¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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When he did speak, he kept his eyes downcast, as if he were talking to the carpet.

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The sight of the downcast and dejected Mohamed Salah trudging off as Liverpool desperately chased an equaliser against Manchester United was an ominous symbol of their current struggles.

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The same goes for “Child Bride,” a downcast and disturbing tale later reworked into the up-tempo guitar-pop tune “Working on the Highway.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is not an entirely downcast mood here though.

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Related Words

• discouraged 
• forlorn