# depressed

/dɪˈpɹɛst/ (US) · /dɪpɹˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/depressed
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. feeling very sad

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling very unhappy and without hope for a long time.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. clinical condition

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. economic decline

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. pushed down

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

pushed down or lower than the surrounding area.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He felt depressed after losing his job.
- The closing of the local factory left the entire town in a depressed state for nearly a decade.
- While the patient appeared outwardly cheerful, clinical assessments revealed a deeply depressed mood that had persisted since early adolescence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.