depressing

[ dih-pres-ing ]

adjective

1. serving to depress; inducing a state of depression:

   depressing news.

depressing

/ dɪˈprɛsɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing a feeling of dejection or low spirits

Derived Forms

• deˈpressingly, adverb

Other Words From

• de·pressing·ly adverb
• nonde·pressing adjective
• nonde·pressing·ly adverb
• unde·pressing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of depressing¹

First recorded in 1780–90; depress + -ing ²

Example Sentences

During one production, shot near a creek where families picnicked, he watched the same depressing scene play out day after day: The adults would drink, gamble, fight and fling empty soju bottles, while the children would catch minnows in the water, occasionally cutting their feet on the broken glass.

From Los Angeles Times

It's not like I've met Future Chitra; I can't tell you what her preferences are, what the world she lives in looks like, or, in my most depressing moments, whether the world she lives in is one she looks forward to.

From Salon

"This was part driven by half-term falling a week later this year, depressing the October figures, and November sales will likely see more of a boost," she said.

From BBC

While contemplating this depressing binary in the race’s final days, I’ve been thinking about how we got here.

From Slate

It’s my go-to sleep show, which is really depressing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bleak
• daunting
• disheartening
• dismal
• dispiriting
• distressing
• dreary
• gloomy
• heartbreaking
• sad