depressed
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for depressed, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or without energy; also used for the clinical mental health condition.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use depressed
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
When describing a diagnosed condition, use it carefully and respectfully rather than casually for everyday low moods.
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Full origin of depressed →Frequently asked questions
What does “depressed” mean?
The word “depressed” means feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or without energy; also used for the clinical mental health condition. In plain terms, feeling very low emotionally, or (of an economy/area) struggling and in decline.
How do you pronounce “depressed”?
“Depressed” is pronounced dih-PREHST (/dɪˈpɹɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “depressed” in a sentence?
Here is “depressed” used in a sentence: “She's been feeling depressed since losing her job.”
What part of speech is “depressed”?
“Depressed” is an adjective.
Is “depressed” a common word?
“Depressed” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “depressed” have?
“Depressed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or without energy; also used for the clinical mental health condition.
What is the difference between depressed and sad?
Sadness is usually a temporary feeling in response to an event, while "depressed" describes a persistent state of sadness, hopelessness, or low energy. "Depressed" is also used for the clinical mental health condition, which is more serious and longer-lasting than ordinary sadness.
What is the difference between depressed and depressing?
"Depressed" describes how a person feels, meaning persistently sad or without energy. "Depressing" describes something that causes those feelings, such as a depressing film or a depressing situation.
Can an economy be described as depressed?
Yes. In this sense, "depressed" means suffering from reduced economic activity, as in a depressed housing market or a depressed region. It describes weak business conditions rather than a person's mood.
What is the difference between depressed and unhappy?
"Unhappy" is a general word for not being content, often about a specific situation. "Depressed" suggests a deeper, more lasting sadness and loss of energy, and it can also refer to the clinical mental health condition.