sagging spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sagging spirits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of low morale or enthusiasm, often in a context where someone is feeling down or discouraged. Example: "After hearing the disappointing news, the team's sagging spirits were evident in their lack of energy during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But more than improving their record, Marbury's effort reinvigorated his team's sagging spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

Reid regularly traveled from Florida to visit Manchester in his home, always trying to raise his new friend's sagging spirits.

The New York Times - Magazine

They left England not with the lead they expected and without question assumed but instead 65 runs behind and by such things are sagging spirits lifted.

The Guardian - Sport

But one recent event has captured the country's fervor like none other and lifted the seemingly sagging spirits of Athenians leading up to the Games.

The New York Times - Travel

Kathy Burns, a tourist who came here with her husband, Andrew, to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary, said she could sense the sagging spirits among Chicagoans.

The New York Times

Reporters wondered if the almost-hometown Spartans could lift Detroit's sagging spirits or if it would be a distraction to the team.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But it was a sagging spirit, not indolence, that kept her under the covers.

The New York Times

They wanted to help revive downtown's sagging spirit by turning an area where barrooms once reigned into an exciting shopping district where Latinos would feel at home.

Los Angeles Times

Although their bodies might be sore and aching and sagging, their spirits may be soaring.

The New York Times - Sports

Some coats are mere insulation and some coats are capable of picking up sagging winter spirits.

The New York Times

For years, sagging entrepreneurial spirit has been cited as a major reason for Japan's inability to save itself from a devastating deflationary spiral.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sagging spirits" to vividly describe a noticeable decline in morale or enthusiasm within a group or individual, often due to setbacks or disappointments.

Common error

While "sagging spirits" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "declining morale" or "reduced enthusiasm" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sagging spirits" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state of someone's emotional well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sagging spirits" effectively describes a decline in morale or enthusiasm, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and understandable, it's more suitable for neutral or slightly informal contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, where it vividly portrays a sense of disappointment or discouragement. Consider using more formal alternatives like "diminished morale" in professional or academic writing. By being mindful of the context and audience, you can effectively use "sagging spirits" to convey a sense of declining emotional well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flagging spirits

Uses "flagging" to suggest a loss of energy or vitality in one's spirits.

diminished spirits

A more formal way of expressing the same concept, using "diminished" instead of "sagging".

drooping spirits

Emphasizes the visual image of spirits that are physically drooping or weighed down.

low morale

Focuses more directly on the overall morale of a group or individual, rather than the emotional state.

waning enthusiasm

Highlights the diminishing level of enthusiasm or eagerness.

fading enthusiasm

Similar to waning enthusiasm, but may imply a more rapid decline.

lack of enthusiasm

A more straightforward and literal expression of reduced enthusiasm.

dwindling morale

Emphasizes the gradual decrease in morale over time.

loss of heart

Conveys a feeling of discouragement and defeat, a loss of courage.

depressed mood

Shifts the focus to a more clinical or personal state of depression.

FAQs

How can I use "sagging spirits" in a sentence?

You can use "sagging spirits" to describe a decline in morale. For example: "After the team's loss, their "sagging spirits" were evident."

What's a more formal alternative to "sagging spirits"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "diminished morale" or "declining enthusiasm" instead of "sagging spirits".

Is "sagging spirits" appropriate for professional writing?

While understandable, "sagging spirits" might be too informal for certain professional contexts. Opt for terms like "reduced motivation" or "decreased engagement" for a more suitable tone.

What does it mean to say someone's "spirits sagged"?

To say someone's "spirits sagged" means their mood or morale has declined, often due to disappointment or hardship. It's a vivid way of describing a drop in emotional state.