doldrums

English

Etymology

No definitive etymology, possibly: 1795–1805; obsolete dold (“stupid”) (see dolt) + -rum (“noun suffix”) (see tantrum); or from Goidelic doltrum (“grief, vexation”).

Pronunciation

(UK) IPA^(key): /ˈdɒl.dɹəmz/
Audio (US) (file)

Noun

doldrums pl (plural only)

(nautical) A part of the ocean near the equator, where calms, squalls, and light, baffling winds are common, impeding the progress of sailing ships.
The state of boredom, malaise, apathy or lack of interest; a state of listlessness; ennui, or tedium
I was in the doldrums yesterday and just didn't feel inspired.

Coordinate terms

(region near the equator):

Derived terms

doldrum

Translations

part of the ocean near the equator, abounding in calms which prevent sailing progress

Danish: kalmebælte n
French: Pot-au-Noir m

German: Kalmengürtel m, Innertropische Konvergenzzone f
Icelandic: kyrrabelti n

state of boredom, apathy or lack of interest

German: Trübsal (de) f, trübselige Stimmung f, Trübsinn m, Lustlosigkeit f, Flautenstimmung f, Flaute (de) f

Italian: depressione (it) f, tristezza (it) f

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