in the doldrums

Idioms  

1. Depressed; dull and listless. For example, Dean's in the doldrums for most of every winter. This expression alludes to the maritime doldrums, a belt of calms and light winds north of the equator in which sailing ships were often becalmed. [Early 1800s] Also see down in the dumps.

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Example Sentences

The imbalance strains Americans’ budgets, diminishes their spending power and generally keeps their financial mood in the doldrums.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Gucci is still in the doldrums and sales fell 8% in the quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Despite the fact that, by and large, Americans have never been richer External link, consumer sentiment is in the doldrums.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

That suggests that until the broader AI questions can be answered, or at the very least better understood, stocks will struggle can escape their current spell in the doldrums.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

We had been in the doldrums for months, but as we staited to prepare ourselves for our testimony, we were eager to go on the offensive.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• crestfallen
• depressed
• despondent
• disheartened
• glum