1 doldrum | Definition of doldrum

doldrum

noun
dol·​drum | \ ˈdōldrəm, ˈdäl- sometimes ˈdȯl-\
plural -s

Definition of doldrum

1 doldrums plural

a : a spell of listlessness or despondency : blues
b : a state of bafflement : quandary
2 archaic : a sluggish or slow-witted person

3 doldrums plural

a : a region over the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light baffling winds
b : the calms met with in that region
4 doldrums plural : a condition of inactivity, retardation, or stagnation:
a : a downswing, slump, or slack period (as in business or industry) through the economic doldrums of the late forties— Drew Middleton bring the antiques business out of the depression doldrums— Alice Winchester : a period of sagging or falling off (as in sales or financial or political activity)
b : a deterioration to a low ebb of vigor, creative power, or effectiveness that American fiction is at present in the doldrums is borne out anew— Amy Loveman

First Known Use of doldrum

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for doldrum

probably akin to Old English dol foolish, silly

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