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depressed

adj.
US //dɪˈpɹɛst// UK //dɪpɹˈɛst// de·pressed
  1. 1 feeling very sad (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling very unhappy and without hope for a long time.

    experiencing a state of low spirits, despondency, or lack of hope.

    Example

    He felt depressed for several weeks after he lost his job.

    Example

    She became increasingly depressed as the winter months dragged on, finding it difficult to maintain her usual social routine.

  2. 2 clinical condition (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    suffering from a medical condition that makes you feel very sad and tired.

    suffering from clinical depression, a diagnosed mental health disorder characterised by persistent low mood.

    Example

    The doctor explained that being depressed is a medical issue that can be treated.

    Example

    The study focused on patients who were severely depressed and had not responded to traditional talk therapy.

    • clinically depressed
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  1. 3 economic decline (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to describe a place or business that is not making enough money.

    characterised by a lack of economic activity or high unemployment; suffering the effects of a recession.

    Example

    The government is trying to bring new jobs to depressed areas of the country.

    Example

    The closure of the steel mill left the entire region economically depressed for over a decade.

  2. 4 pushed down (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    pushed down or lower than the surrounding area.

    physically pressed down or situated at a lower level than the surroundings.

    Example

    The keyboard has depressed keys that are easier to type on.

    Example

    The technician noticed a depressed area on the surface of the wing, suggesting structural damage from the impact.

Origin

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

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