1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
the theater scene is usually in the doldrums during the summer
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2
as in sadness
a state or spell of low spirits
the team had been in the doldrums ever since losing the championship
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3
as in boredom
the state of being bored
we were in the doldrums while we waited for something to happen
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of doldrums
What are people reading to escape the February doldrums?
—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
13 Feb. 2026
And boarding a vintage train during the cooler months is the perfect cure for the winter doldrums.
—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Jan. 2026
Once the decorations are packed away and the calendar turns from festive and full to routine and stark white, the winter doldrums can really settle in.
—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
19 Jan. 2026
Between the post-holiday doldrums, dry January and the cold, damp weather, the beginning of the new year can often feel like a real drag.
—
Suzanne Van Atten,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for doldrums
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
13 Feb. 2026
And boarding a vintage train during the cooler months is the perfect cure for the winter doldrums.
—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Jan. 2026
Once the decorations are packed away and the calendar turns from festive and full to routine and stark white, the winter doldrums can really settle in.
—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
19 Jan. 2026
Between the post-holiday doldrums, dry January and the cold, damp weather, the beginning of the new year can often feel like a real drag.
—
Suzanne Van Atten,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for doldrums
Cite this Entry
“Doldrums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doldrums. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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