depression
dih-PREH-shuhn
Depression (noun) means a mental health condition marked by persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in life. Example: “He started therapy after being diagnosed with depression.”
noun
1
A mental health condition marked by persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in life.
"He started therapy after being diagnosed with depression."
"Depression affects millions of people worldwide, not just mood but sleep and appetite too."
"Talking to a friend can help when you are living with depression."
2
A period of severe decline in a country's economy, with high unemployment and falling output.
"The Great Depression of the 1930s left lasting scars on the global economy."
"Many banks closed during the depression, and thousands lost their jobs."
"The country struggled through a long depression with few jobs available."
3
A hollow or sunken area, such as in land or a surface.
"Rainwater collected in a small depression in the field."
"The car left a shallow depression in the soft mud."
"Water filled the depression beside the path after the storm."
4
An area of low atmospheric pressure that often brings unsettled or stormy weather.
"A tropical depression is expected to strengthen into a storm by the weekend."
"A deep depression over the Atlantic will bring heavy rain tomorrow."
"The forecaster said a depression was moving in from the west."
How to use depression
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA pressing-down — used for a mental health condition, an economic slump, a dip in land, or a low-pressure weather system.
When to use it
When talking about mental health, use it thoughtfully; it refers to a real, diagnosable condition, not just everyday sadness.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
suffer from depression
economic depression
weather depression
shallow depression
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Word forms
- Plural
- depressions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He started therapy after being diagnosed with _____.
Etymology
From Old French depression, from Latin depressio, built on deprimere, "to press down."
Synonyms
View more →
melancholy
despondency
low mood
dejection
gloom
despair
the blues
low
impression
imprint
slump
economic crisis
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for depression
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for depression →
Frequently asked questions
What does “depression” mean?
The word “depression” means a mental health condition marked by persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in life. In plain terms, a pressing-down — used for a mental health condition, an economic slump, a dip in land, or a low-pressure weather system.
How do you pronounce “depression”?
“Depression” is pronounced dih-PREH-shuhn (/dɪˈpɹɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “depression” in a sentence?
Here is “depression” used in a sentence: “He started therapy after being diagnosed with depression.”
What part of speech is “depression”?
“Depression” is a noun.
Where does the word “depression” come from?
The word “depression” comes from Latin. From Old French depression, from Latin depressio, built on deprimere, "to press down.".
Is “depression” a common word?
“Depression” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “depression” have?
“Depression” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mental health condition marked by persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in life.
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
Sadness is a normal, temporary emotion, usually triggered by a specific event and easing with time. Depression is a persistent mental health condition marked by lasting sadness, low energy, and loss of interest that continues for weeks or longer and interferes with daily life, often without an obvious cause.
Can depression be treated?
Yes. Depression is a treatable condition, and many people recover or manage it well. Common approaches include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, medication like antidepressants, and lifestyle support involving exercise, sleep, and social connection. Anyone struggling should speak to a doctor or qualified professional for proper assessment and care.
What are the types of depression?
There are several forms. Major depressive disorder involves intense symptoms over weeks; persistent depressive disorder is milder but longer-lasting. Others include seasonal affective disorder, linked to darker months, postnatal depression after childbirth, and the low phases of bipolar disorder. A qualified professional can diagnose which type someone is experiencing.
Is depression a mental illness?
Yes. Depression is recognised as a common but serious mental health condition, not a personal weakness or a mood someone can simply choose to shake off. It affects thoughts, feelings, energy, and physical health. Because it is a genuine medical condition, it responds to treatment and support rather than willpower alone.
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