doldrums

[ dohl-druhmz, dol-, dawl- ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art:

   August is a time of doldrums for many enterprises.

2. the doldrums,
   1. a belt of calms and light baffling winds north of the equator between the northern and southern trade winds in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
   2. the weather prevailing in this area.
3. a dull, listless, depressed mood; low spirits.

   Synonyms: dejection, melancholy, gloom, depression

doldrums

/ ˈdɒldrəmz /

noun

1. a depressed or bored state of mind
2. a state of inactivity or stagnation
3. 1. a belt of light winds or calms along the equator
   2. the weather conditions experienced in this belt, formerly a hazard to sailing vessels

doldrums

/ dōl′drəmz′ /

1. A region of the globe found over the oceans near the equator in the intertropical convergence zone and having weather characterized variously by calm air, light winds, or squalls and thunderstorms. Hurricanes originate in this region.

Word History and Origins

Origin of doldrums¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; obsolete dold stupid ( dolt ) + -rum(s) (plural) noun suffix ( tantrum )

Word History and Origins

Origin of doldrums¹

C19: probably from Old English dol dull , influenced by tantrum

Idioms and Phrases

see in the doldrums .

Example Sentences

Let’s remember that in the ’80s, baseball was in the doldrums.

From Los Angeles Times

After years in the doldrums, are Everton now on course to fly high again and be propelled to new horizons?

From BBC

But for the Liberal Democrats this is a nice problem to have, after years in the doldrums.

From BBC

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards scored an average of 6.87 million viewers Sunday on ABC, a significant increase over the trophy show’s recent doldrums and the best showing since 2021, according to Nielsen.

From Los Angeles Times

People are not exactly queuing to join an industry and devote their lives to it, when it has been in the doldrums for so long.

From BBC

Related Words

• gloom
• malaise
• slump
• stagnation
• stupor