Synonyms of doldrums

doldrums

plural noun

ˈdōl-drəmz 

1

as in suspension

a state of temporary inactivity

the theater scene is usually in the doldrums during the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suspension
• suspense
• recession
• coma
• abeyance
• moratorium
• dormancy
• cold storage
• quiescence
• inertia
• latency
• suspended animation
• standstill
• rest
• recess
• inaction
• deep freeze
• slumber
• hibernation
• holding pattern
• impasse
• inertness
• torpor
• motionlessness
• hypnosis
• remission
• sleep
• downtime
• layoff
• idleness
• repose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• renewal
• resumption
• resuscitation
• recommencement

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

• sadness
• depression
• melancholy
• gloom
• sorrowfulness
• blues
• dreariness
• misery
• mournfulness
• anguish
• grief
• sorrow
• gloominess
• unhappiness
• oppression
• dejection
• despair
• glumness
• dumps
• desperation
• joylessness
• agony
• heartsickness
• boredom
• despondency
• miserableness
• despondence
• despond
• mopes
• pain
• forlornness
• blue devils
• mourning
• downheartedness
• distress
• desolation
• disconsolateness
• melancholia
• dispiritedness
• discouragement
• self-pity
• dolefulness
• ennui
• regret
• somberness
• hopelessness
• tedium
• woe
• wretchedness
• dolor
• disheartenment
• drear
• moodiness
• moroseness
• woefulness
• morbidness
• self-despair
• dismalness
• rue
• morosity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• euphoria
• joy
• exuberance
• bliss
• happiness
• ecstasy
• elation
• exhilaration
• heaven
• jubilation
• joyousness
• rapture
• intoxication
• exultation
• optimism
• gladness
• joyfulness
• mirth
• merriment
• glee
• gayety
• felicity
• humor
• gaiety
• joviality
• lightheartedness
• jollity
• cheerfulness
• blissfulness
• cheer
• hopefulness
• gayness
• cheeriness
• satisfaction
• contentment
• elatedness
• content
• rapturousness
• gleefulness
• mirthfulness
• gladsomeness
• contentedness
• sunniness
• delight
• gratification

3

as in boredom

the state of being bored

we were in the doldrums while we waited for something to happen

Synonyms & Similar Words

• boredom
• ennui
• tedium
• blahs
• restlessness
• weariness
• melancholy
• listlessness
• lethargy
• monotony
• dullness
• dulness
• torpor
• joylessness
• lassitude
• indifference
• torpidity
• cheerlessness
• languor
• lifelessness
• apathy
• languidness
• unconcern
• sameness
• dispiritedness
• monotonousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fascination
• involvement
• absorption
• enchantment
• excitement
• stimulation
• immersion
• engagement
• engrossment
• animation
• relief
• entertainment
• captivation
• bewitchment
• beguilement
• amusement
• invigoration
• diversion
• enlivenment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of doldrums

European markets are expected to open higher Thursday, rallying after being in the doldrums yesterday. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024

Trump's poll numbers below par While the Mexican president and Canada's ruling party enjoy favorable opinion polls, Trump's popularity at home is in the doldrums. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!