in the doldrums

1. 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.

Example Sentences

"Grimsby Town has been in the doldrums for quite a few years but there's a real feel-good factor about the place now," says the 61-year-old.

From BBC

The release is a welcome surprise for theater owners — particularly in the doldrums of summer, when even late breakout hits like Warner Bros.’ horror film “Weapons” have been out for weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

He constantly saved the Lions - in 1989 they were in the doldrums after some wretched tours in the 80s and he resurrected them with a series win in Australia.

From BBC

In the mid-1980s, with Labour in the doldrums, Mandelson became the party's campaign director and began the internal fight of yanking the party back from the left under Neil Kinnock.

From BBC

Welsh rugby is in the doldrums and there is no respite as South Africa's revered rugby juggernaut rolls into Cardiff.

From BBC

Related Words

• crestfallen 
• depressed 
• despondent 
• disheartened 
• glum