downbeat

1 of 2

noun

down·​beat ˈdau̇n-ˌbēt How to pronounce downbeat (audio)
1
: the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music
also : the first beat of a measure
2
: a decline in activity or prosperity

downbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: pessimistic, gloomy
a downbeat assessment

Examples of downbeat in a Sentence

Adjective a downbeat prediction for the company's sales performance in the upcoming year
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.
Noun
But with so much uncertainty over both macroeconomic conditions and trade policies, many companies have been giving downbeat second-quarter forecasts and have been withdrawing or balking at revising their full-year projections. Lisa Kailai Han,sean Conlon, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025 The move came as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Trump’s tariffs would have a major negative impact on the U.S. economy, downbeat remarks that sent stocks sharply lower in afternoon trading. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The downbeat views extended to the stock market, with 48.5% expecting lower prices in the next 12 months, the worst reading since October 2011. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025 With Shia LaBeouf and James Cosmo also on board, this downbeat tale has solid performances, an intriguing locale and accomplished visual presentation among its virtues. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for downbeat

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downbeat was in 1766

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Cite this Entry

“Downbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downbeat. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

downbeat

noun
down·​beat
ˈdau̇n-ˌbēt
: the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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