Doldrums

Definition

A state of depression, listlessness, or lack of energy; also refers to a belt of calm winds and unpredictable weather near the equator that historically plagued sailing ships. Used figuratively to describe a period of stagnation or slow progress.

Example Usage

The team found themselves in the doldrums after their star player was injured, and they lost three games in a row.

Origin

Possibly derived from 'dol' (an obsolete word for grief) combined with 'tantrum' or 'drowsy'; the nautical meaning dates to the 1800s.

Fun Fact

Sailors in the doldrums faced weeks of stillness, leading to superstitions, mutinies, and creative uses of downtime to avoid going mad.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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