PhrasesHub

To be in the doldrums

    Definitions

      • feeling low or depressed
        Describing a state of feeling down or lacking energy and enthusiasm

      • experiencing a period of inactivity or stagnation
        Referring to a situation where there is little or no progress or development

    Examples of To be in the doldrums

    • The sales department has been in the doldrums for the past six months. Sales have been stagnant, and there seems to be no enthusiasm among the sales team.

      To be in the doldrums is to experience a prolonged period of inactivity, stagnation, or depression. In this context, the sales department is facing a long-term slump in sales, with no clear signs of improvement.

    • The company's stock has been in the doldrums for over a year now. There hasn't been any significant price movement, and investors are losing confidence.

      The term "doldrums" also refers to a state of lethargy, inertia, or an absence of action or progress. In the context of the stock market, "being in the doldrums" suggests that a stock's price has remained relatively unchanged for an extended period, and that it hasn't shown any clear signs of appreciation or depreciation.

    • After finishing last season with a dismal performance, the football team has been in the doldrums ever since. Fans have lost hope, and the team's morale seems to be at an all-time low.

      The phrase "in the doldrums" is often used to describe a situation or condition that is marked by a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or vitality. In this example, it connotes that the football team has been struggling for an extended period and that its performance has been poor. Fans have lost confidence, and the team seems demoralized.

    • Despite the company's best efforts, the new product launch has been in the doldrums. Sales have been disappointing, and the company is struggling to make a profit.

      When a new product fails to make an impact in the market, it's often described as being in the doldrums. In this context, the term denotes that the new product has not lived up to expectations, and that its sales figures have been below par. The product may also be considered unprofitable, as it hasn't generated enough revenue to cover its production costs.

    • After months of hard work, John's project was rejected, and he felt completely demotivated and lacking in inspiration. He was in the doldrums.

      The idiom "to be in the doldrums" refers to feeling uninspired, lacking in energy, or experiencing a creative or emotional block. It originated from the "doldrums" which was the area of calm winds between the northeast and the southeast trade winds in the Atlantic Ocean, where ships would be stuck and unable to move. In this example, John's rejection has left him feeling stuck and lacking in motivation, just as a ship would be stuck in the doldrums.

    • The company had been struggling to make a profit for several years, and its employees were feeling demoralized and hopeless. The business was in the doldrums.

      Once again, the phrase "in the doldrums" conveys a sense of stagnation, lack of progress, and low morale. In this case, it's applied to a business that is failing to make a profit, causing its employees to feel disheartened and lacking in motivation.

    • Emily had been studying for her exams for weeks, but just a few days before the test, she suddenly felt completely uninspired and unable to concentrate on her studies. She was in the doldrums.

      Here, we can see how the phrase "in the doldrums" can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from business and work to study and personal life. In this example, Emily's sudden lack of inspiration is compared to the stagnant conditions that ships would experience in the doldrums, implying that she is feeling stuck and unable to move forward.

    • After a long and exhausting day at work, Sarah arrived home feeling completely drained and lacking in energy. She was in the doldrums.

      This example shows how the phrase "in the doldrums" can be used to describe a wide range of negative feelings, from demotivation and lack of inspiration to sheer exhaustion and a lack of energy. In this case, Sarah's long day at work has left her feeling completely drained and lacking in energy, and the phrase "in the doldrums" is used to convey just how exhausted and uninspired she is feeling.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to be in the doldrums" can be used to express both a state of feeling low or depressed, as well as a period of inactivity or stagnation. It is often used to describe a lack of energy or enthusiasm, as well as a situation where there is little or no progress or development.

    Origin of "To be in the doldrums"

    The phrase "in the doldrums" has its origins in sailing terminology. The doldrums refer to a region of the Atlantic Ocean near the equator where there are light winds and frequent squalls, making it difficult for ships to make progress. This area was known for its calm, windless conditions, which could leave ships stranded for days or even weeks.

    The idiom "to be in the doldrums" likely originated from this nautical term, as it came to be associated with a feeling of being stuck or inactive. Over time, the phrase has evolved to encompass a broader sense of feeling low or lacking energy. Today, it is commonly used in everyday language to describe both emotional and situational states of stagnation or depression.