SINCE 1828
doldrum
noun
dol·drum
| \ ˈdōldrəm, ˈdäl- sometimes ˈdȯl-\
plural -s
Definition of doldrum
1 doldrums plural
a
: a spell of listlessness or despondency : blues
b
: a state of bafflement : quandary
2
archaic
: a sluggish or slow-witted person
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
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