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

Carney’s sovereign-wealth-fund measure is his latest policy effort to accelerate business investment in the country, which has been in the doldrums for a prolonged period.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Consumer sentiment remains in the doldrums despite record high stock indexes.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

While headline investment returned to growth in January-February, the rebound was mostly driven by strong public spending, and private investment continued to decline as the property sector stayed in the doldrums.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 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

In the fall of 1988, Midland and Odessa were still in the doldrums of the bust.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• crestfallen
• depressed
• despondent
• disheartened
• glum