doldrums

/'dɔldrəmz/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
doldrums

The ship sat motionless in the doldrums for days.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A state of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits: "Doldrums" refers to a period or condition where there is little activity, progress, or enthusiasm, often leading to feelings of boredom, depression, or listlessness.
    • A specific geographical region with calm winds: In nautical and meteorological contexts, "doldrums" refers to a belt of ocean near the equator characterized by very light and unpredictable winds, which historically could stall sailing ships.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun (State of inactivity):
    • The company has been in the doldrums for the last two quarters, with no new projects or growth.
    • After the holidays, she fell into the doldrums and found it hard to get motivated.
  • Noun (Geographical region):
    • The sailing ship was stuck in the doldrums for weeks, waiting for a breeze.
    • The equatorial doldrums are known for their hot, humid, and calm weather.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be in the doldrums": This is the most common idiomatic phrase. It means to be in a state of inactivity, low spirits, or economic stagnation.
    • The housing market has been in the doldrums since the recession.
    • He's been in the doldrums ever since his team lost the championship.
Variants and Related Words
  • Doldrum (noun, rare/archaic): Sometimes used as a singular form, though "doldrums" is almost always treated as a plural noun.
    • A sense of doldrum hung over the office. (Note: This usage is uncommon.)
Synonyms
  • Stagnation: A state of lack of activity, growth, or development.
  • Lethargy: A lack of energy and enthusiasm.
  • Slump: A period of poor or decreased activity or performance.
  • Torpor: A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.
  • The dumps (informal idiom): A state of feeling sad or depressed. (e.g., ).
Related Phrases
  • Economic doldrums: A specific term for a period of poor economic performance.
    • The government introduced new policies to pull the country out of its economic doldrums.
  • Creative doldrums: A period where one lacks inspiration or new ideas.
    • The writer was struggling to finish her novel, stuck in a creative doldrum.
doldrums

The ship sat motionless in the doldrums for days.

Noun
  1. a belt of calms and light winds between the northern and southern trade winds of the Atlantic and Pacific
  2. a state of inactivity (in business or art etc)
    • economic growth of less than 1% per year is considered to be economic stagnation

Từ đồng nghĩa