DOLDRUMS

doldrums

(noun) a belt of calms and light winds between the northern and southern trade winds of the Atlantic and Pacific

stagnation, stagnancy, doldrums

(noun) a state of inactivity (in business or art etc); “economic growth of less than 1% per year is considered to be economic stagnation”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

doldrums pl (plural only)

Usually preceded by the: a state of apathy or lack of interest; a situation where one feels boredom, ennui, or tedium; a state of listlessness or malaise.

Synonym: dumps

(nautical) Usually preceded by the: the state of a sailing ship when it is impeded by calms or light, baffling winds, and is unable to make progress.

(nautical, oceanography, by extension) Usually preceded by the: a part of the ocean near the equator where calms, squalls, and light, baffling winds are common.

Synonyms: calms, intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)

Noun

doldrums

(obsolete) plural of doldrum (“slothful or stupid person”)

Source: Wiktionary

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Dol"drums, n. pl. Etym: [Cf. Gael. doltrum grief, vexation]

Definition: A part of the ocean near the equator, abounding in calms, squalls, and light, baffling winds, which sometimes prevent all progress for weeks; -- so called by sailors. To be in the doldrums, to be in a state of listlessness ennui, or tedium.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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