depressed about

USAGE SUMMARY

"depressed about" is a perfectly acceptable term in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of being sad, down, or overwhelmed. For example, "After the breakup, I was depressed about my future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm really depressed about it.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm depressed about the weather".

The Guardian

Everyone feels depressed about the summit talks.

The New Yorker

"I was depressed about life, period.

The Guardian - Sport

'I'm not depressed about it,' he says.

The Guardian - Books

I don't know what I was depressed about".

The New Yorker

— IT'S easy to be depressed about America these days.

The New York Times

So "what does he have to be depressed about?" Nothing.

Independent

He is depressed about breaking up with his girlfriend, Sloan.

The New Yorker

"I'm depressed about the progress of the human race".

The New York Times

"We are also depressed about what is happening in Kiev.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depressed about", specify the cause to provide context and clarity. This helps the reader understand the reason for the feeling, making the statement more impactful and relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "depressed about" to describe minor disappointments. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and potentially trivialize genuine experiences of depression. Choose a more appropriate term, like "disappointed" or "bummed out", for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depressed about" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It describes a state of feeling sad or discouraged in relation to a specific cause or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly acceptable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depressed about" is a common and acceptable way to express feelings of sadness or discouragement related to a specific cause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. While it's frequently used in news and media, and is considered generally neutral in register, it's important to use it thoughtfully and avoid overusing it in casual conversation or downplaying the seriousness of clinical depression. Alternatives like "disappointed about" or "sad about" may be more appropriate for less intense situations. By understanding the nuances of its usage, you can effectively communicate your feelings while maintaining clarity and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad about

Expresses a similar feeling of unhappiness, though perhaps less intense.

disheartened by

Focuses on the loss of spirit or enthusiasm due to something.

disappointed in

Highlights a feeling of letdown because something didn't meet expectations.

downcast over

Implies a subdued mood due to a specific cause.

dejected by

Suggests a feeling of being cast down in spirits; more formal.

despondent regarding

Conveys a sense of hopelessness about a situation; quite formal.

glum about

Indicates a sullen or gloomy mood regarding something.

miserable because of

Emphasizes the unhappiness and suffering caused by a particular event or situation.

crestfallen concerning

Highlights the feeling of disappointment and sadness, typically after a setback.

heavy-hearted about

Evokes a sense of emotional burden and sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "depressed about" in a sentence?

You can use "depressed about" to express sadness or discouragement regarding a specific situation or event. For example, "I'm "depressed about" the election results" or "She felt "depressed about" losing her job".

What's a less intense alternative to "depressed about"?

If you want to express a milder form of sadness or disappointment, consider using alternatives such as "disappointed about", "sad about", or "bummed out about" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "depressed about" in formal writing?

While "depressed about" is widely understood, it might be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative in certain contexts, especially in academic or professional writing. Consider using phrases like "disheartened by" or "despondent regarding" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "depressed about" and "having depression"?

"Depressed about" describes a temporary feeling of sadness related to a specific event, while "having depression" refers to a persistent mental health condition. Depression is a serious clinical diagnosis and should not be used interchangeably with feeling "depressed about" something temporary.