Definition

Noun (plural) 1. A state of low spirits or mild depression: An informal term describing a temporary feeling of sadness, gloom, or despondency. It is almost always used in the phrase "in the dumps."

Usage

• The word "dumps" is exclusively used in its plural form in this sense.
• It is almost always part of the fixed idiom "to be in the dumps" or "to feel in the dumps."
• It describes a general, often temporary, low mood rather than a clinical condition.

Examples

• "She's been in the dumps ever since her team lost the championship."
• "I don't know why, but I woke up feeling in the dumps today."
• "A good walk in the sunshine might help you get out of the dumps."

Advanced Usage

• "Down in the dumps": A common variant of the main idiom, adding emphasis.
  • Example: "He's been really down in the dumps since his pet passed away."

Variants and Related Words

• Dump (noun): A completely different and primary meaning referring to a site for depositing waste.
  • Example: "The city built a new landfill dump."
• Dump (verb): To deposit or discard something, or to end a relationship abruptly.
  • Example (discard): "Please dump the trash in the bin."
  • Example (relationship): "He dumped his girlfriend via text message."

Synonyms

• The blues: A feeling of sadness or depression.
• The mopes: A state of listlessness and low spirits.
• Gloom: Partial or total darkness; a state of depression or despondency.
• Melancholy: A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.

Idioms Related

• "(Down) in the dumps": The core idiom, meaning to feel sad or depressed.
  • Example: "Try listening to some upbeat music when you're down in the dumps."

Noun

1. an informal expression for a mildly depressed state
   • in the dumps
   • have the mopes