English Reference
adjective

depressed

adj.
US /dɪˈpɹɛst/ UK /dɪpɹˈɛst/ de·pressed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    feeling very unhappy and without hope for a long time.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    clinically depressed
  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    pushed down or lower than the surrounding area.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

By the next summer, problems in his work had left him feeling anxious, depressed and worthless.

BBC News· 26 Aug 2026

A new international study finds that middle-aged Americans are lonelier, more depressed, and experiencing worse memory and health than earlier generations.

ScienceDaily· 14 Jun 2026

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated