ENGLISH
REFERENCE

depressing

adj.
US //dɪˈpɹɛsɪŋ// UK //dɪpɹˈɛsɪŋ// de·press·ing
  1. 1 causing sadness (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    making you feel very sad, unhappy, or without hope.

    inducing a state of low spirits, sadness, or despondency.

    Example

    The rainy weather and grey skies were very depressing after a week of sunshine.

    Example

    The documentary offered a depressing look at the long-term effects of urban decay on the local community.

    Pitfall
    I am very depressing today.
    I am very depressed today.

    Use 'depressing' for the thing that causes the feeling (the weather, a movie) and 'depressed' for the person feeling it.

  2. 2 economic reduction (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    causing a decrease in business activity or making prices go down.

    tending to reduce economic activity, lower prices, or decrease market value.

    Example

    High interest rates can have a depressing effect on the housing market.

    Example

    Economists warned that the new trade tariffs would have a depressing influence on consumer spending throughout the next fiscal quarter.

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