Doldrums — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

plural noun /ˈdōl-drəmz/ dol·drums

Meaning & Definition of Doldrums

Doldrums (plural noun)

  1. a spell of listlessness or despondency
  2. a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds
  3. a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump

Doldrums (plural noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state of temporary inactivity

    "the theater scene is usually in the doldrums during the summer"

    similar: abeyance, cold storage, deep freeze, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension
    related: inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness, impasse, standstill, coma, hibernation, hypnosis, repose, rest, sleep, slumber, torpor, recess, recession, remission, downtime, idleness, layoff
    opposite: continuance, continuation
    near: recommencement, renewal, resumption, resuscitation

  2. a state or spell of low spirits

    "the team had been in the doldrums ever since losing the championship"

    similar: blue devils, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despond, despondence, despondency, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, dolefulness, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, gloom, gloominess, glumness, heartsickness, joylessness, melancholy, miserableness, mopes, mournfulness, oppression, sadness, sorrowfulness, unhappiness
    related: melancholia, self-pity, anguish, dolor, grief, mourning, somberness, sorrow, woefulness, agony, distress, pain, misery, woe, wretchedness, discouragement, disheartenment, moodiness, despair, desperation, hopelessness, self-despair, boredom, ennui, tedium, dismalness, drear, morbidness, moroseness, morosity, regret, rue
    opposite: bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, felicity, gladness, gladsomeness, happiness, heaven, intoxication, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, rapture, rapturousness
    near: gaiety, gayness, glee, gleefulness, humor, jollity, joviality, lightheartedness, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness, cheer, cheerfulness, cheeriness, hopefulness, optimism, sunniness, content, contentedness, contentment, satisfaction, delight, gratification

  3. the state of being bored

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

    similar: blahs, boredom, ennui, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, weariness
    related: cheerlessness, dispiritedness, joylessness, melancholy, languidness, languor, lassitude, lethargy, lifelessness, torpidity, torpor, dullness, monotonousness, monotony, sameness, apathy, indifference, unconcern
    near: beguilement, bewitchment, captivation, enchantment, fascination, absorption, engagement, engrossment, immersion, involvement, animation, enlivenment, excitement, invigoration, stimulation, amusement, entertainment, diversion, relief

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Doldrums

The most common words with a similar meaning to Doldrums:

abeyance, cold storage, deep freeze, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension, blue devils, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despond, despondence, despondency, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, dolefulness, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, gloom, gloominess, glumness, heartsickness, joylessness, melancholy, miserableness, mopes, mournfulness, oppression, sadness, sorrowfulness, unhappiness, blahs

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Doldrums

Words with the opposite meaning of Doldrums:

continuance, continuation, bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, felicity, gladness, gladsomeness, happiness, heaven, intoxication, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, rapture, rapturousness

Related Words for Doldrums

inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness, impasse, standstill, coma, hibernation, hypnosis, repose, rest, sleep, slumber, torpor, recess, recession, remission, downtime, idleness, layoff, melancholia, self-pity, anguish, dolor, grief, mourning, somberness, sorrow, woefulness, agony

Near Antonyms of Doldrums

recommencement, renewal, resumption, resuscitation, gaiety, gayness, glee, gleefulness, humor, jollity, joviality, lightheartedness, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness, cheer, cheerfulness, cheeriness, hopefulness, optimism, sunniness, content, contentedness, contentment, satisfaction, delight, gratification, beguilement, bewitchment, captivation

Origin & Etymology of Doldrums

probably akin to Old English dol foolish

First known use: 1765

Frequently Asked Questions about Doldrums

What does "Doldrums" mean?

"Doldrums" means a spell of listlessness or despondency. As a plural noun, it is defined as: a spell of listlessness or despondency. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Doldrums"?

Other words for "Doldrums" include abeyance, cold storage, deep freeze, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium and quiescence. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Doldrums" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Doldrums"?

There are 109 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Doldrums". Common alternatives include abeyance, cold storage, deep freeze, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation and suspense.

What is the opposite of "Doldrums"?

Antonyms of "Doldrums" include continuance, continuation, bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation and euphoria. Near antonyms include recommencement, renewal, resumption and resuscitation.

How do you use "Doldrums" in a sentence?

Examples of "Doldrums" in a sentence: "the theater scene is usually in the doldrums during the summer"; "the team had been in the doldrums ever since losing the championship"; "we were in the doldrums while we waited for something to happen".

Is "Doldrums" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Doldrums" is a plural noun.

How do you pronounce "Doldrums"?

"Doldrums" is pronounced /ˈdōl-drəmz/ and divided into syllables as dol·drums.

What is the origin of the word "Doldrums"?

"Doldrums" comes from probably akin to Old English dol foolish. First known use: 1765.