/ ˈdɒldrəmz; NAmE ˈdoʊl-/ noun [ pl. ] (usually the doldrums )
1.
the state of feeling sad or depressed :
He's been in the doldrums ever since she left him.
2.
a lack of activity or improvement :
The bond market normally revives after the summer doldrums.
Despite these measures, the economy remains in the doldrums .
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WORD ORIGIN
From the place in the ocean near the equator where there are sudden periods of calm. A sailing ship caught in this area can be stuck there because of a lack of wind.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 18th cent. (as doldrum dull, sluggish person ): perhaps from dull , on the pattern of tantrums .