Down in the Dumps: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：Feeling sad and depressed (Down in the dumps)

Down in the dumps 🔊

/daʊn ɪn ðə dʌmps/

idiom

Feeling sad, unhappy, and without energy, like when a friend forgets to call or you do poorly on a test.

Feeling sad and depressed 🔊

➕

/ˈfiːlɪŋ sæd ænd dɪˈprɛst/

idiom

To be in a state of unhappiness, low spirits, and lack of energy, often due to disappointment or loss.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'down' (low spirits) and 'dumps' (a state of gloom), akin to a rubbish dump.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a dump truck unloading heaps of sad feelings on top of you.

📖 Example

After her best friend cancelled their travel plans at the last minute, Sarah felt really down in the dumps for the whole weekend. 🔊 After her best friend cancelled their travel plans at the last minute, Sarah felt really down in the dumps for the whole weekend.

🔗 Collocations

feel down in the dumps – Experience a state of sadness and low energy

get down in the dumps – Become suddenly sad or discouraged

be down in the dumps about something – Be unhappy due to a specific event or situation

🔄 Synonyms

blue (adj.) – Feeling sad or depressed, often temporarily

gloomy (adj.) – Having a dark or hopeless mood

melancholy (adj.) – A gentle, reflective sadness, often without clear cause

🚫 Antonyms

cheerful (adj.) – Feeling happy and optimistic

upbeat (adj.) – Positive and energetic in mood

elated (adj.) – Feeling extremely happy and excited

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from 16th-century English where 'dumps' referred to a melancholy tune or mood; combined with 'down' to express deep sadness.