depressing

adjective

de·​press·​ing di-ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce depressing (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of depressingnext
: that depresses
especially : causing emotional depression
a depressing story
depressingly adverb

Examples of depressing in a Sentence

This rainy weather is depressing. He paints a depressing picture of modern life.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That simple scenario is a lot less depressing. Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026 These could become depressing, as well as confusing. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2026 This year’s Documentary Shorts are serious — and seriously depressing. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026 The poorest numbers come from mostly July 1 free agents signed in what is becoming the most depressing day on the Oilers calendar. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressing

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressing was in 1556

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Cite this Entry

“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressing. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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