B2adjective2K

Depressing

UK /["/dɪˈpresɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈpresɪŋ/"]/

Definition

making you feel very sad and without enthusiasm

In simple words: making you feel sad or unhappy

Examples

  • a depressing sight/thought/experience
  • Looking for a job these days can be very depressing.
  • These findings make very depressing reading.
  • I find politics profoundly depressing: none of the parties appeals to me.
  • We found it a deeply depressing experience.
  • The problem seems to recur with depressing regularity.

Usage notes

Use 'depressing' when something causes feelings of sadness. It's neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid it in overly cheerful situations.

Grammar pattern

depressing + subject

Memory hint

Think of 'depressing' as 'deep press-ing on your heart'—it feels heavy and sad.

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • get
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • gloomy
  • sorrowful
  • dismal
  • sad
  • melancholy

Antonyms

  • uplifting
  • cheerful
  • joyful

Common mistakes

  • Using it in a positive context, such as 'That movie was depressing, but great!'
  • Confusing it with 'oppressive' which has a different meaning
  • Using it as a noun instead of an adjective, e.g., 'That was such a depressing.'