noun
doldrums
Doldrums (noun) means (usually 'the doldrums') A feeling of low mood, boredom or lack of energy.
noun
1
(usually 'the doldrums') A feeling of low mood, boredom or lack of energy.
"I was in the doldrums yesterday and just didn’t feel inspired."
"It is typical for adolescents to respond to the doldrums, feeling dead or numb inside, by sleeping a lot, watching hours upon hours of television, holing up in their room for days on end."
— Richard Frankel, Life and Death Imagery in Adolescence (1998)
2
(usually 'the doldrums') The condition of a sailing ship stuck because there is too little wind to move it.
3
Usually used with 'the': a region of the sea close to the equator known for calm spells, sudden squalls, and light, shifting winds.
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Etymology
From obsolete doldrum (“slothful or stupid person”) plus the plural suffix -s. Doldrum is possibly derived from dull or Middle English dold (past participle of dullen, dollen (“to make or become blunt or dull; to make or become dull-witted or stupid; to make or become inactive”), from dul, dol, dolle (“not sharp, blunt, dull; not quick-witted, stupid; lethargic, sluggish”); see further at dull), modelled after tantrum.
Synonyms
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stagnancy
stagnation
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of doldrums?
"doldrums" (noun) means (usually 'the doldrums') A feeling of low mood, boredom or lack of energy.
What is another word for doldrums?
Other words for "doldrums" include stagnancy, stagnation.
What are the different meanings of doldrums?
"doldrums" has 3 main meanings: 1. (usually 'the doldrums') A feeling of low mood, boredom or lack of energy; 2. (usually 'the doldrums') The condition of a sailing ship stuck because there is too little wind to move it; 3. Usually used with 'the': a region of the sea close to the equator known for calm spells, sudden squalls, and light, shifting winds.
