downcast

adjective

down·​cast ˈdau̇n-ˌkast 

1

: low in spirit : dejected

2

: directed downward

with downcast eyes

Synonyms of downcast

• bowed
• downward
• lowered

Examples of downcast in a Sentence

There were a lot of downcast faces in the crowd.

her downcast gaze made us realize that she was shy

Recent Examples on the Web

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey was downcast after falling to the New York Knicks in Game 4 on Sunday night, leading to an early second-round playoff exit. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026

On its face, this has felt like an Easter season more in keeping with the downcast mood of Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, followed by the betrayal and arrest of Christ, or Good Friday, a somber day of reflection marking Jesus’ death on the cross. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

In one of the film’s most downcast moments, Larry, now absolutely obliterated on whiskey, sits in the coatcheck with Weiland for a heart-to-heart. —Michael Cuby, Them., 24 Oct. 2025

Ennui, in particular, looks like a disaffected teenager, with her drooping stance, her perpetually downcast eyes and her constant frown. —Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 15 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1521, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for downcast

• aghast
• amassed
• biassed
• broadcast
• bypassed
• forecast
• foremast
• harassed
• holdfast
• mainmast
• newscast
• outcast

Kids Definition

downcast

adjective

down·​cast -ˌkast 

1

: being in a state of lowered confidence or courage : dejected

2

: directed down

a downcast glance