doldrum

1 doldrums plural

a : a spell of listlessness or despondency : blues

b : a state of bafflement : quandary

3 doldrums plural

a : a region over the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light baffling winds

b : the calms met with in that region

4 doldrums plural : a condition of inactivity, retardation, or stagnation:

a : a downswing, slump, or slack period (as in business or industry) through the economic doldrums of the late forties— Drew Middleton bring the antiques business out of the depression doldrums— Alice Winchester : a period of sagging or falling off (as in sales or financial or political activity)

b : a deterioration to a low ebb of vigor, creative power, or effectiveness that American fiction is at present in the doldrums is borne out anew— Amy Loveman