depressing

adjective

de·​press·​ing di-ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce depressing (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of depressingnext
: that depresses
especially : causing emotional depression
a depressing story
depressingly adverb

Examples of depressing in a Sentence

This rainy weather is depressing. He paints a depressing picture of modern life.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In his teaching, Weil conveyed his love for Russian literature’s very lengthy — and at times dark and depressing — novels with enthusiasm and aplomb, colleagues recalled. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 The Knicks went on to defeat the tanking, depleted Grizzlies handily, a 130-119 win good enough to snap a depressing three-game losing streak against the Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026 Far from a depressing gray room located in a basement, The Bridge and its massive windows put a spotlight on the natural beauty of Hong Kong. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026 All airports are depressing and scary; some go above and beyond. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressing

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressing was in 1556

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressing. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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