Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for depressing. Search instead for Regressing.
Synonyms

depressing

American  
[dih-pres-ing] / dɪˈprɛs ɪŋ /

adjective

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

    depressing news.
depressing British  
/ dɪˈprɛsɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing a feeling of dejection or low spirits

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • depressingly adverb
  • nondepressing adjective
  • nondepressingly adverb
  • undepressing adjective

Etymology

Origin of depressing

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It’s so simple, but I think that’s what this landscape is giving me, constant awe in the midst of a really depressing world, and a tough year for the family.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

"This study is probably the most depressing project I've been involved with in my entire life," Amaral said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

Ablakwa described the figures as "depressing and frightening," saying Ghana "cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Major tech companies face billions in AI spending, damaging financial footing and depressing free cash flow, making investors nervous.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Most of the time, these days, it is a depressing exercise.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.