in the doldrums

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

dol•drums /ˈdoʊldrəmz, ˈdɑl-, ˈdɔl-/   n. [plural]

1. a state of inactivity.
2. in the doldrums, in a dull, depressed mood;
   in low spirits:
   has been in the doldrums ever since he heard the bad news.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dol•drums  (dōl′drəmz, dol′-, dôl′-), n. (used with a pl. v.)

1. a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art:
   August is a time of doldrums for many enterprises.
2. Meteorology the doldrums:
   • 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.
   • the weather prevailing in this area.
3. a dull, listless, depressed mood;
   low spirits.

• obsolete dold stupid (see dolt) + -rum(s) (plural) noun, nominal suffix (see tantrum) 1795–1805

Synonyms

• 3. depression, gloom, melancholy, dejection.