in the doldrums

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the doldrums" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of low spirits or lack of energy and motivation. It can also refer to a state of stagnation or inactivity. Example: After losing his job, John was in the doldrums for weeks, feeling unmotivated and hopeless. Example: The economy has been in the doldrums for months, with no signs of recovery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Manufacturing remained in the doldrums.

The Economist

"I'm in the doldrums.

The Guardian

The economy was in the doldrums.

The Economist

The economy is stuck in the doldrums.

The New York Times

World trade is in the doldrums.

The Economist

The dinosaur market is in the doldrums.

The Economist

Only Europe remains in the doldrums.

Independent

The UAE is still in the doldrums.

The Economist

"They've been just totally in the doldrums.

The New York Times

Buckingham was then in the doldrums.

The Guardian

'Lionel's career was in the doldrums.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the doldrums" to describe situations of economic stagnation, low morale, or lack of progress. It's particularly effective when emphasizing a temporary state of inactivity or decline.

Common error

Avoid using "in the doldrums" to describe permanent conditions or inherent traits. The phrase implies a temporary state of inactivity or low spirits, not an unchangeable characteristic.

How to use

Learn how to use "in the doldrums" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the doldrums" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier to describe a state or condition. According to Ludwig, it aptly illustrates periods of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the doldrums" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a state of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits. As highlighted by Ludwig, its primary function is to convey a lack of progress or dynamism, particularly in economic or emotional contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional discussions. While there are various alternatives, such as "in a slump" or "stagnating", each carries slightly different nuances. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is well-established and easily understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing temporary periods of decline or inactivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a slump

Replaces the more evocative "doldrums" with a simpler term for a period of decline.

in a period of stagnation

Directly refers to a phase of inactivity and lack of growth or development.

experiencing a downturn

Uses more formal language to describe a decline in performance or activity.

stagnating

Focuses on the lack of progress or movement, similar to being "in the doldrums".

undergoing a period of inactivity

Emphasizes the lack of action or progress during a specific time.

going through a lull

Indicates a temporary period of quiet or inactivity, often before renewed activity.

in a state of inertia

Highlights the lack of motivation or ability to change or progress.

facing a standstill

Implies a halt in progress or development, suggesting a temporary lack of movement.

languishing

Suggests a state of weakness, inactivity, and decline.

in a rut

Describes being stuck in a monotonous routine or situation, lacking progress or excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "in the doldrums" in a sentence?

You can use "in the doldrums" to describe a situation where there is a lack of activity or progress. For example, "The economy has been "in the doldrums" for the past few months."

What does it mean to be "in the doldrums"?

Being "in the doldrums" means experiencing a period of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits. It suggests a temporary lack of progress or motivation.

What are some alternatives to saying "in the doldrums"?

You can use alternatives like "in a slump", "stagnating", or "experiencing a downturn" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "in the doldrums" a formal or informal expression?

"In the doldrums" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and media or general discussions about economic or emotional states.