What does "depression" mean?
A state of mind producing serious, long-term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future; any of several mental disorders with this state of mind as a central feature.
Depression
/dɪˈpɹɛʃn̩/ name, noun
name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A state of mind producing serious, long-term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future; any of several mental disorders with this state of mind as a central feature.
- Grammar: depression is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: slump, abatement, abridgment, abstraction.
- Useful contrasts: domed, earthen embankment, geologic uplifting.
- Usage evidence: The report states that there will be a depression.
How to use "depression"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "depression" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "depression" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "depression" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "depression" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "depression" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "slump" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "depression", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A state of mind producing serious, long-term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future; any of several mental disorders with this state of mind as a central feature. uncountable, usually
"I used to suffer from depression, but now I'm mostly content with my life."
- 2 pushing down wordnet
- 3 A period of low morale or unhappiness (a period of experiencing the above-mentioned state of mind) which lasts longer than several weeks and may include ideation of self-inflicted injury or suicide. countable
"[…] your illness reflects the textbook description of bipolar disorder (euphoric, grandiose, manic highs followed by deep depressions,[…]"
- 4 sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy wordnet
- 5 An area that is lower in topography than its surroundings. countable, uncountable
"It was not far from the house; but the ground sank into a depression there, and the ridge of it behind shut out everything except just the roof of the tallest hayrick. As one sat on the sward behind the elm, with the back turned on the rick and nothing in front but the tall elms and the oaks in the other hedge, it was quite easy to fancy it the verge of the prairie with the backwoods close by."
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 a sunken or depressed geological formation wordnet
- 7 An area of lowered air pressure that generally brings moist weather, sometimes promoting hurricanes and tornadoes. countable, uncountable
- 8 angular distance below the horizon (especially of a celestial object) wordnet
- 9 A period of major economic contraction. countable, uncountable
- 10 a concavity in a surface produced by pressing wordnet
- 11 A period of major economic contraction.; Four consecutive quarters of negative, real GDP growth (for example, this operational definition is used by the US NBER and many other writers). countable, uncountable
"The Great Depression was the worst financial event in US history."
- 12 a state of depression and anhedonia so severe as to require clinical intervention wordnet
- 13 The act of lowering or pressing something down. countable, uncountable
"Depression of the lever starts the machine."
- 14 a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity wordnet
- 15 A lowering, in particular a reduction in a particular biological variable or the function of an organ, in contrast to elevation. countable, uncountable
- 16 a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment wordnet
- 17 an air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 Synonym of Great Depression.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The report states that there will be a depression."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "depression"?
Common synonyms include: slump, abatement, abridgment, abstraction, abulia, aching heart.
How do you use "depression" in a sentence?
The report states that there will be a depression.
How do you pronounce "depression"?
Pronounced /dɪˈpɹɛʃn̩/.
Etymology
From Middle English depression, depressioun, from Old French depression, from Latin dēpressiō. Equivalent to depress + -ion.