downer

American  

[dou-ner] / ˈdaʊ nər /

noun

1. Informal.

   1. a depressant or sedative drug, especially a barbiturate.

   2. a depressing experience, person, or situation.

2. Animal Husbandry. an old or diseased animal, especially one that cannot stand up.

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downer British  

/ ˈdaʊnə /

noun

1. Also called: down.  a barbiturate, tranquillizer, or narcotic Compare upper

2. a depressing experience

3. a state of depression

   he's on a downer today

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Etymology

Origin of downer

1910–15, for an earlier sense; 1965–70, downer for def. 1; down ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

According to the post, Downer was last seen in Koreatown.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

In December of 2025, Fowlie shared a missing person flier on Instagram and said in the caption that Downer had been missing and the family was concerned for her safety.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

"It's been phenomenal. It's growing so quickly," Downer tells Newsbeat.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Not having to worry about money was also huge help for theology student Di'Mario Downer.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2025

“Well, Uncle Heath, not to be a Debbie Downer, but technically, until we recover the treasure, it’s not really”—she made air quotes—“‘rightfully yours.’”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein