depressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depressing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes feelings of sadness or gloom. Example: "The movie was so depressing that I couldn't stop thinking about it for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is worse is that this depressing situation – depressing at least for those who teach French in universities – has been met by the government and the public with a resounding: "So what?" To some extent, this is understandable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tolerating misogyny is one thing, but it is depressing that a certain patronising mindset seems to cover its own liberal face so it cannot see and challenge it.

The Guardian

The lessons we all learned this year, well, I'm not going to sugar coat this: they were pretty depressing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For too long, the brilliant Tina Fey has bogged her comedy down with self-deprecation which, for those of us who love her, has been depressing.

The Guardian - Film

SM: No. What I like about it, and what I think people like about it, is that it's got a great character, but it's not depressing.

The Guardian - Music

He sings her praises but I find the very premise of it depressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hopkins' blatant flirting with the boss was depressing.

The Guardian

Asked what it felt like to be in the eye of the storm, Coyle said: "It was pretty depressing sometimes.

The Guardian

One friend did ask if I found it depressing being around bereavement all day but I really don't.

The Guardian

The insistence that we return to Blairism is depressing and a sign of denial about what Blairism was a response to: Thatcherism, with its core values about the supremacy of the market cloaked in the language of individual choice.

The Guardian - Opinion

The whole thing – from the coins thrown at a man on a stretcher and the ambulance workers carrying him, to the mention of the Holocaust in a discussion about a footballer – is thoroughly depressing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or event as "depressing", consider specifying the cause of the feeling to provide more clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "depressing" too casually in informal conversations; it can sometimes sound overly dramatic or insensitive. Opt for milder alternatives like "disappointing" or "unfortunate" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "depressing" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that induces sadness or a low mood. Ludwig AI shows examples where it describes situations, news, or aspects of life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "depressing" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that causes sadness or gloom. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, particularly within news and media. While synonyms like "saddening" or "disheartening" exist, "depressing" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "depressing", ensure the context warrants the expression of sadness and consider specifying the cause to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saddening

Emphasizes causing sadness, a direct synonym of "depressing".

disheartening

Focuses on the loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

bleak

Highlights a lack of hope or optimism.

gloomy

Suggests a pervasive sense of darkness or pessimism.

dismal

Implies a state of drabness or wretchedness.

melancholy

Indicates a reflective sadness, often long-lasting.

somber

Conveys a serious or grave mood.

dreary

Focuses on the dullness and lack of interest.

oppressive

Emphasizes the burden or weight of sadness.

grievous

Highlights the severity and painful nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "depressing" in a sentence?

You can use "depressing" to describe something that causes sadness or lowers your mood. For example, "The news was quite depressing" or "It's depressing to see so much poverty".

What are some alternatives to "depressing"?

Alternatives include "saddening", "disheartening", "bleak", or "gloomy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "depressing" in formal writing?

Yes, "depressing" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing something that evokes sadness or negativity. However, consider the specific tone required and whether a more nuanced term might be more effective.

What makes something "depressing"?

Something is "depressing" when it causes feelings of sadness, gloom, or discouragement. It often involves a sense of hopelessness or negativity about the situation or subject at hand.