1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
the theater scene is usually in the doldrums during the summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
the team had been in the doldrums ever since losing the championship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in boredom
the state of being bored
we were in the doldrums while we waited for something to happen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of doldrums
Why some are optimistic In the Miami area, real estate professionals in the luxury space see a potential lift for a residential sector mired in the doldrums.
—
David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
The overriding sense on Monday was of fresh momentum for a club that has spent too long in the doldrums.
—Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Another major indicator that we’re headed out of the doldrums is that some of the largest fintech firms, including neobank Chime and Swedish buy now, pay later unicorn Klarna, are finally signaling plans to go public.
—Kate Drew, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
After several years in the doldrums, pharmaceutical companies and biotechs expect an uptick in dealmaking in 2025, with some positive vibes emanating from the giant J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference this week in San Francisco.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doldrums
David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
The overriding sense on Monday was of fresh momentum for a club that has spent too long in the doldrums.
—Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
Another major indicator that we’re headed out of the doldrums is that some of the largest fintech firms, including neobank Chime and Swedish buy now, pay later unicorn Klarna, are finally signaling plans to go public.
—Kate Drew, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
After several years in the doldrums, pharmaceutical companies and biotechs expect an uptick in dealmaking in 2025, with some positive vibes emanating from the giant J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference this week in San Francisco.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doldrums
Cite this Entry
“Doldrums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doldrums. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share