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

See Examples For:

in the doldrums

The batch of data suggest that the world’s second-largest economy is becoming increasingly bifurcated as exports keep defying gravity, while consumption remains in the doldrums and the real-estate crisis lumbers on.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 10, 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

Bitcoin has been in the doldrums for months, with its fall back from highs above $100,000 in late 2025 accelerating since January and prices languishing around $60,000 until a slow march higher through April.

From Barron's ● May 1, 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