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
• 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
• 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

And though the two countries have lowered levies on each other from punishing highs earlier this year, the current levels are nevertheless having consequences, with China importing almost no energy from the US last month while a powerhouse provincial economy is in the doldrums. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2025

And stay alert by visiting a Lavazza tent for a creamy, earthy cold brew to lift you from the afternoon doldrums. —Cathy Erway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025

The excitement of the 1960s had passed, and rock ’n’ roll itself was in the doldrums. —Louis P. Masur, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2025

This kind of post-Vietnam, post-Watergate moment where people felt sapped and rock and roll itself was in the doldrums. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!