Depressing
/dɪˈpresɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
/dɪˈpresɪŋ/
Causing or characterized by a state of unhappiness or gloom.
The news was incredibly depressing.
💡 Simply: Imagine a movie that makes you feel really, really sad. If a movie is like that, it's depressing. Think of a rainy day when you feel like staying inside all day -- that feeling is depressing.
👶 For kids: Making you feel very sad and like you don't want to do anything fun.
More Examples
The grey, rainy weather created a depressing atmosphere.
She found the constant negativity in the office depressing.
The economic downturn had a depressing effect on consumer confidence.
How It's Used
"The weather has been depressing this week."
"Depressing thoughts are common during stressful times."
"The novel had a depressing ending."
Relating to or characteristic of clinical depression.
/dɪˈpresɪŋ/
Relating to or suffering from clinical depression.
She sought treatment for her depressing thoughts.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, the word "depressing" can also refer to the medical condition of depression. If someone is feeling very down for a long time, we might say that the symptoms they are experiencing are depressing.
👶 For kids: Having the feeling of being very, very sad for a long time.
More Examples
The doctor identified the patient's depressing state as a major concern.
The medication helped alleviate the depressing symptoms.
It's essential to provide support to someone who is feeling a depressing way.
How It's Used
"He exhibited signs of a depressing mood."
"Depressing symptoms are common in patients with Major Depressive Disorder."
Idioms & expressions
a depressing thought
A thought that makes one feel sad or gloomy.
"The thought of losing my job is a depressing thought."
From the Latin word 'deprimere', meaning 'to press down' or 'to lower'. It developed in the 17th century, initially referring to the act of pressing down, then later evolving to its modern psychological and emotional meanings.
The word 'depressing' and its related forms have been used in literature to describe emotionally challenging situations since the late 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of someone 'pressing' down on your spirits, making you feel low.