feeling low

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling low" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing one's emotions or describing a physical sensation. Here are a few examples: - "After losing her job, she has been feeling low and depressed." - "The rainy weather always makes me feel low and sluggish." - "I've been feeling low on energy recently, so I decided to start exercising." - "He couldn't hide his disappointment, his shoulders slumping and his voice sounding low." - "The doctor prescribed some medication to help with the low mood I've been feeling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We feel the media coverage could trigger other people who are already feeling low to take their own lives.

The Guardian

My dog does that when I'm feeling low.

The Guardian - Music

Abstemiousness is not an option when you're feeling low.

The New York Times - Food

She has been feeling low and looking gaunt".

The Guardian - Music

You do get days when you're feeling low".

The New York Times

Playing the guitar he brought from home seems to help when he's worried or feeling low.

The New York Times

Looking back, I can tell from certain portraits when I was feeling low or unwell.

The Guardian - Arts

At this point I add, "She says she's been feeling low a lot recently".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just over three years ago, when I was feeling low, I deactivated my Facebook profile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Sometimes when you are feeling low, and rather lonely, it does give some solace".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pump yourself up when you're feeling low-energy.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional writing, ensure the context clarifies whether you mean an emotional state or a physical lack of energy.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase vaguely in contexts where the distinction between emotional sadness and physical low energy (e.g., blood sugar or fatigue) is important. If you mean physical exhaustion, consider using "low on energy" or "feeling drained" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling low" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase. It consists of the present participle "feeling" followed by the adjective "low", which describes the internal state of the subject. Ludwig confirms it is almost always used following a linking verb such as "be" or "feel".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academic

5%

Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "feeling low" is a robust and universally accepted phrase in written English. It is most frequently used to describe a range of negative emotional states from mild sadness to the early symptoms of depression. Ludwig AI confirms its status as "correct" and highly usable. High-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian utilize it frequently in both headlines and body text to convey empathy or report on mental health. While common in informal settings, it maintains a level of dignity that allows it to appear in scientific journals as well. Writers should feel confident using it to describe human emotion accurately and naturally without the harshness of medical jargon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling down

provides a slightly more informal and common synonym

feeling blue

uses an idiomatic color metaphor for a more poetic tone

feeling depressed

implies a more clinical or intense level of sadness

feeling gloomy

emphasizes a dark or pessimistic emotional atmosphere

feeling out of sorts

suggests a general sense of being unwell or not oneself

feeling disheartened

specifically connects the mood to a loss of hope or spirit

feeling melancholy

denotes a more pensive, piteous or nostalgic sadness

feeling dejected

highlights sadness resulting specifically from rejection or failure

feeling flat

describes a lack of emotional affect or energy

feeling despondent

indicates a severe and often total loss of hope

FAQs

How do I use "feeling low" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a mood, for example: "After the long winter, I started "feeling low" and unmotivated."

What is the difference between "feeling low" and "feeling depressed"?

While both describe sadness, "feeling low" is often used for temporary or less intense moods, whereas "feeling depressed" can imply a more severe or clinical condition.

Is "feeling low" acceptable in formal writing?

Yes, it is widely used in reputable news outlets and scientific journals to describe patient moods or general sentiment.

Can I say "feeling down" instead of "feeling low"?

Yes, "feeling down" is a perfectly interchangeable and very common alternative.