doldrums

plural noun

ˈdōl-drəmz How to pronounce doldrums (audio)
Definition of doldrumsnext
1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity the theater scene is usually in the doldrums during the summer

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2
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits the team had been in the doldrums ever since losing the championship

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3
as in boredom
the state of being bored we were in the doldrums while we waited for something to happen

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of doldrums That said, Devers starting to look like Devers would go a long way towards getting the offense out of the doldrums. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2026 Chinese citizens are spending more on experiences, offering a rare bright spot for an economy in the doldrums. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 18 Feb. 2026 Between the post-holiday doldrums, dry January and the cold, damp weather, the beginning of the new year can often feel like a real drag. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 11 Jan. 2026 Nothing that happened in San Diego was going to rewrite any narratives about this Arizona program’s March doldrums. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doldrums

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dolce vitas
doldrums
dole
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“Doldrums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doldrums. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on doldrums

Nglish: Translation of doldrums for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about doldrums

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