down·beat
ˈdau̇n-ˌbēt 
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
: 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
Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
At some point, the film eventually goes through the motions until its inevitable downbeat climax, at which point its dramatic shortcomings become difficult to ignore.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
Wendy’s could use a jolt after reporting another downbeat quarter.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downbeat
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Noun
Small businesses like Norton’s, and companies of all sizes in retail, construction and hospitality, are struggling from higher costs brought by the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, and as downbeat consumers reduce their spending.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
At some point, the film eventually goes through the motions until its inevitable downbeat climax, at which point its dramatic shortcomings become difficult to ignore.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
But while Francis Lawrence’s The Long Walk swaps out King’s downbeat conclusion for an even bleaker ending, director Edgar Wright’s new take on The Running Man opts for a hopeful finale that feels downright naive.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
Wendy’s could use a jolt after reporting another downbeat quarter.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downbeat
Cite this Entry
“Downbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downbeat. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.
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