English Reference
adjective

depressing

adj.
US /dɪˈpɹɛsɪŋ/ UK /dɪpɹˈɛsɪŋ/ de·press·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    stagnatingweakening
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated