doldrums
C1formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
A state of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits.
Used literally to refer to a region of the ocean near the equator with little or no wind, and metaphorically for periods of depression, listlessness, or economic stagnation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost always plural in form. The literal (nautical) meaning is less common than the figurative. Often used with 'the'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage frequency.
Connotations
Slightly more literary in British English; slightly more common in business/economics contexts in American English.
Frequency
Comparably low frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to be in the doldrumsto fall into the doldrumsto lift (someone/something) out of the doldrumsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the doldrums”
- “shake off the doldrums”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to periods of low sales, growth, or market activity. 'The retail sector remains in the doldrums.'
Academic
Used in history or economics to describe prolonged periods of stagnation.
Everyday
Describes feeling bored, sad, or lacking energy. 'I've been in the doldrums since the project ended.'
Technical
In meteorology/sailing, the equatorial low-pressure belt with calm winds.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- a doldrums period
American English
- a doldrums economy
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After the holidays, I always feel a bit in the doldrums.
- The housing market has been in the doldrums for the past two years.
- The new policy initiative is designed to lift the manufacturing sector out of its prolonged doldrums.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOLDRUMS sounds like 'dull drums' – imagine someone beating a dull, repetitive drum when they are bored and inactive.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW SPIRITS ARE CALM WINDS (a lack of emotional 'wind' or motivation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'депрессия' (clinical depression). 'Doldrums' is milder. 'Хандра' or 'застой' are closer conceptually.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a doldrum').
- Confusing it with 'dull drum' or other homophones.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'doldrums' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern English it is almost exclusively used in the plural form 'doldrums'.
Yes, it is commonly used figuratively to describe a state of low spirits, boredom, or inactivity.
It likely originated in the early 19th century from 'dol' (related to 'dull') with the suffix '-drum', perhaps mimicking 'tantrum'. It was first used by sailors.
No, there is no standard verb form derived from 'doldrums'.
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