down in the dumps

English

Alternative forms

• in the dumps

Etymology

From dump “a dull, gloomy state of the mind.”

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

Adjective

down in the dumps (comparative more down in the dumps, superlative most down in the dumps)

1. (idiomatic) Sad; lacking engagement or enthusiasm.
   • 1886, Edward Payson Roe, chapter 2, in He Fell In Love With His Wife:

     "You've got down in the dumps and can't see what's sensible and to your own advantage."

   • 2009, Brian McVicar, "Some in Mich. turn to ice fishing as economy dives," chicagotribune.com, 2 Feb. (retrieved 3 Feb 2009):

     "Being out of work sometimes makes you feel down in the dumps and being out here with my buddies helps."

Synonyms

• crestfallen, depressed, downhearted, listless, low-spirited, melancholy, unhappy

Translations

sad

• Polish: (informal) zdołowany (pl)
• Russian: как в во́ду опущенный (ru) (kak v vódu opuščennyj)
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Spanish: en horas bajas, de bajón, murrio (es) m (colloquial)