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

In the doldrums of COVID, Gil would come around to check in on the renovation.

From Slate

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

But overall the fallout from the war is another blow for Europe's traditional industrial powerhouse as it is struggling to rebound after a long period in the doldrums.

From Barron's

A lower GDP target for 2026 reflects a level of tolerance for weaker growth as China’s economy contends with muted household spending, dampened investment and a real-estate market in the doldrums.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet while consumer sentiment has been in the doldrums since 2020, it has inched even lower in the past 12 months.

From Barron's

Related Words

• crestfallen
• depressed
• despondent
• disheartened
• glum