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

By late 2022, the tech market in the doldrums, he retreated from public appearances, and underwent a period of soul-searching.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

But with negotiations in the doldrums, new weekend drone attacks on Gulf countries and fresh threats from US President Donald Trump have heightened fears that fighting could resume.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

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

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

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