Word
depressed
Phoneticsde·pressed, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈpɹɛst/
UK/dɪpɹˈɛst/
Definitions
01feeling very sad
B1 · Intermediate
adj. feeling very unhappy and without hope for a long time.
adj. experiencing a state of low spirits, despondency, or lack of hope.
“He felt depressed for several weeks after he lost his job.”
“She became increasingly depressed as the winter months dragged on, finding it difficult to maintain her usual social routine.”
02clinical condition
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
adj. suffering from a medical condition that makes you feel very sad and tired.
adj. suffering from clinical depression, a diagnosed mental health disorder characterised by persistent low mood.
“The doctor explained that being depressed is a medical issue that can be treated.”
“The study focused on patients who were severely depressed and had not responded to traditional talk therapy.”
Synonyms
03economic decline
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. used to describe a place or business that is not making enough money.
adj. characterised by a lack of economic activity or high unemployment; suffering the effects of a recession.
“The government is trying to bring new jobs to depressed areas of the country.”
“The closure of the steel mill left the entire region economically depressed for over a decade.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04pushed down
C1 · Advanced Technical
adj. pushed down or lower than the surrounding area.
adj. physically pressed down or situated at a lower level than the surroundings.
“The keyboard has depressed keys that are easier to type on.”
“The technician noticed a depressed area on the surface of the wing, suggesting structural damage from the impact.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “depressed” in context.
Verb
01. become depressed
“Many people become depressed during the dark winter months.”
verb + adj
02. feel depressed
“She began to feel depressed after being stuck at home for three weeks.”
verb + adj
03. look depressed
“He looked depressed when he heard the news about the factory closing down.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. clinically depressed
“The doctor confirmed that the patient was clinically depressed and needed therapy.”
adv + adj
05. deeply depressed
“The loss of his job left him feeling deeply depressed and anxious.”
adv + adj
06. depressed about the situation
“You shouldn't get so depressed about the situation; things will eventually improve.”
adj + prep
Noun
07. depressed area
“The government is investing money to create jobs in this depressed area.”
adj + noun
08. depressed market
“It is a difficult time to sell a house because of the depressed market.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“By the next summer, problems in his work had left him feeling anxious, depressed and worthless.” “A new international study finds that middle-aged Americans are lonelier, more depressed, and experiencing worse memory and health than earlier generations.” Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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