ENGLISH
REFERENCE

down in the dumps

idiom
Meaning

Sad; lacking engagement or enthusiasm.


Origin

disputed origin

From dump “a dull, gloomy state of the mind.”

Examples
SIMPLE

He feels down in the dumps after losing his job.

CONTEXTUAL

Since her best friend moved away, she has been feeling down in the dumps and rarely leaves the house.

COMPLEX

Despite the festive atmosphere of the celebration, he remained down in the dumps, unable to shake the persistent melancholy that had clouded his mood for weeks.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026