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in the doldrums

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*in the doldrums

Fig. sluggish; inactive; in low spirits. (*Typically: be ~; put someone [into] ~.) He's usually in the doldrums in the winter. I had some bad news yesterday, which put me into the doldrums.

See also: doldrums

in the doldrums

1. lacking activity or progress When the economy is in the doldrums, every business feels the effects.

2. feeling sad and lacking the energy to do anything He's been in the doldrums since his girlfriend left for college.

Usage notes: the opposite is out of the doldrums: Maybe inviting him to dinner will get him out of the doldrums.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of the doldrums (the part of the world's seas near the equator where there is little wind, making it difficult to sail)

See also: doldrums

in the doldrums

Depressed; dull and listless. For example, Dean's in the doldrums for most of every winter. This expression alludes to the maritime doldrums, a belt of calms and light winds north of the equator in which sailing ships were often becalmed. [Early 1800s] Also see down in the dumps.

See also: doldrums