in the doldrums

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.

Example Sentences

"Grimsby Town has been in the doldrums for quite a few years but there's a real feel-good factor about the place now," says the 61-year-old.

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The release is a welcome surprise for theater owners — particularly in the doldrums of summer, when even late breakout hits like Warner Bros.’ horror film “Weapons” have been out for weeks.

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He constantly saved the Lions - in 1989 they were in the doldrums after some wretched tours in the 80s and he resurrected them with a series win in Australia.

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In the mid-1980s, with Labour in the doldrums, Mandelson became the party's campaign director and began the internal fight of yanking the party back from the left under Neil Kinnock.

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Welsh rugby is in the doldrums and there is no respite as South Africa's revered rugby juggernaut rolls into Cardiff.

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Related Words

• crestfallen 
• depressed 
• despondent 
• disheartened 
• glum