B2adjective 2K

Depressing

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈpresɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈpresɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Depressing

making you feel very sad and without enthusiasm

In simple words: making you feel sad or unhappy

Depressing in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Depressing

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.

Related words

Collocations with Depressing

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

Synonyms for Depressing

• gloomy
• sorrowful
• dismal
• sad
• melancholy

Opposites of Depressing

• uplifting
• cheerful
• joyful

Common mistakes with Depressing

• 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.'

Frequently asked questions about Depressing

What does Depressing mean?

making you feel sad or unhappy

What is the definition of Depressing?

making you feel very sad and without enthusiasm

How do you use Depressing in a sentence?

a depressing sight/thought/experience

Can you give another example of Depressing?

Looking for a job these days can be very depressing.

What are synonyms for Depressing?

Common alternatives include gloomy, sorrowful, dismal, sad, melancholy.

What is the opposite of Depressing?

Opposite meanings include uplifting, cheerful, joyful.

What words go with Depressing?

It commonly pairs with be, become, get, extremely, fairly, very.

What are common mistakes when using Depressing?

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.'

How do you pronounce Depressing?

US: /["/dɪˈpresɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈpresɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Depressing?

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.

What CEFR level is Depressing?

"Depressing" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.