depressive

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpre-siv 

dē-

1

: tending to depress

2

: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression

depressive symptoms

a depressive patient

depressively adverb

depressive

2 of 2

noun

: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression

Synonyms of depressive

Adjective

• bleak
• depressing
• lonely
• somber
• dark
• desolate
• darkening
• morbid
• solemn
• depressed
• murky
• lonesome
• miserable
• cold
• gray

Examples of depressive in a Sentence

Adjective

the depressive story about a struggling artist

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), the largest and longest-running study of the menopause transition, shows women are significantly more likely to report high depressive symptoms during perimenopause than before it. — Dr. Sarah Berg, Time, 9 July 2026

Noun

Contemplative depressive indie band The Mountain Goats, May 17 at College Street Music Hall. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026

While these factors are not direct links to postpartum depressive symptoms, reducing anxiety in particular may later be shown to reduce maternal depression in the newborn period. — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1912, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing depressive

• major depressive disorder
• manic-depressive
• manic-depressive illness

Rhymes for depressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• excessive
• expressive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

Medical Definition

depressive

1 of 2 adjective

de·​pres·​sive di-ˈpres-iv 

1

: tending to depress

2

: of, relating to, marked by, or affected by psychological depression

the patient was paranoid and depressive

depressive symptoms

depressive

2 of 2 noun

: one who is affected with or prone to psychological depression