depressing

adjective

de·​press·​ing di-ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce depressing (audio)
dē-
: 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.
And that’s what's so depressing. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025 His college career has come to an end in a very depressing way. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 As a result, his work is equal parts depressing and invigorating. Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025 This also doesn’t imply the book is depressing or a tear-jerker—quite the opposite. Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for depressing

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressing was in 1629

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Cite this Entry

“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressing. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on depressing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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