dumps

American  

[duhmps] / dʌmps /

noun

1. a depressed state of mind (usually preceded byin the ).

   to be in the dumps over money problems.

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dumps British  

/ dʌmps /

plural noun

1. informal a state of melancholy or depression (esp in the phrase down in the dumps )

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dumps Idioms  

1. see down in the dumps.

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Etymology

Origin of dumps

1515–25; compare German dumpf dull, Middle Dutch domp haze

Example Sentences

But it shows that while consumer confidence may be in the dumps, investors have reason to be optimistic.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Some strategists are particularly excited about technology stocks, which started the year in the dumps but have begun to climb back.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Shares of gold miners have been in the dumps this month, as investors have expressed fears over how the Iran war will tarnish the value of the precious metal.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Earlier in the week, the government had unveiled other proposals in the action plan, including steps to force flytippers to carry out up to 20 hours of unpaid work clearing up their own illegal dumps.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Digger was down in the dumps that day about his grandfather having to let go of the place, and we could see how it was eating him up.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings