depressing

adjective

de·​press·​ing di-ˈpre-siŋ 

dē-

: that depresses

especially : causing emotional depression

a depressing story

depressingly

di-ˈpre-siŋ-lē 

dē-

adverb

Synonyms of depressing

• bleak
• depressive
• somber
• dark
• lonely
• desolate
• solemn
• darkening
• morbid
• depressed
• cold
• murky
• gray

Examples of depressing in a Sentence

This rainy weather is depressing.

He paints a depressing picture of modern life.

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost a year out to sea is very depressing. — Steve Walsh, NPR, 23 May 2026

The mood has gotten rather depressing. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 June 2026

After watching and enjoying the film, a somewhat depressing thought leaped into my mind. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 8 June 2026

What a depressing, disturbing waste, no matter the final verdict. — Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for depressing

• accessing
• addressing
• assessing
• caressing
• compressing
• confessing
• distressing
• expressing
• hairdressing
• impressing
• obsessing
• oppressing