The phrase “in the doldrums” refers to a state of stagnation, depression, or inactivity. It originally comes from maritime terminology, where the “doldrums” was a region near the equator with calm, stagnant air that made sailing difficult. Over time, the term came to be used figuratively to describe periods of low spirits, lack of motivation, or situations where there is little progress or excitement. When someone is “in the doldrums,” they might be feeling down, unproductive, or uninspired, often experiencing a sense of being stuck or without direction.
Here are 10 sentences using “in the doldrums” to clarify its meaning:
- After losing his job, he found himself in the doldrums for weeks, unable to summon any motivation.
- The team has been in the doldrums ever since their star player was injured and has struggled to find their rhythm.
- She felt like she was in the doldrums after finishing her degree, unsure of what her next step should be.
- The company had been in the doldrums for years until they finally introduced an innovative new product.
- During the winter months, many people in the northern regions tend to feel in the doldrums due to the lack of sunlight.
- After the excitement of the holidays, the office was in the doldrums, with everyone feeling a bit sluggish.
- The project seemed to be in the doldrums, with no new ideas or progress for several weeks.
- He had been in the doldrums for so long that even his friends noticed his lack of enthusiasm for life.
- With no clear direction for the future, she found herself stuck in the doldrums, unsure of what to do next.
- After the initial rush of success, the company entered a phase in the doldrums, where growth stalled.
Synonyms for “in the doldrums”:
- In a slump
- In a rut
- In a state of stagnation
- In a funk
- In a lull
- In a depression
- In a low mood
- In a period of inactivity
- In a state of inertia
- In a decline
Antonyms for “in the doldrums”:
- In high spirits
- Energized
- In a peak
- Thriving
- Flourishing
- Active
- Progressing
- Motivated
- On a roll
- In an upswing
Related Words:
- Depression
- Stagnation
- Inactivity
- Low energy
- Lull
- Funk
- Sluggishness
- Apathy
- Hopelessness
- Disinterest
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “In a rut” – To be in a routine or situation where there is little excitement or progress, much like being in the doldrums.
- “Feeling down in the dumps” – A phrase used to describe someone who is feeling sad or in a low mood, similar to being in the doldrums.
- “Burned out” – Refers to feeling exhausted and unmotivated, often leading to a state similar to being in the doldrums.
- “Hitting a wall” – Used to describe a situation where progress stops, similar to being stuck in the doldrums.
- “At a standstill” – Refers to a point where there is no movement or progress, akin to the sense of stagnation implied by “in the doldrums.”
