Word
downer
Phoneticsdown·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnɝ/
UK/dˈaʊnɐ/
Countable noun Informal
Definition
n. something that makes you feel sad or ruins a good mood. It can also be a drug that makes you feel very relaxed or sleepy. If you tell a sad story at a party, people might call you a downer.
n. an event, person, or situation that has a depressing effect; also refers to a depressant drug. Informal in register; often used to describe someone who dampens the collective mood of a group.
Examples
“The news about the rain was a real downer.”
“I hate to be a downer, but we need to discuss the budget cuts before the meeting ends.”
“While the first half of the film was a vibrant comedy, the sudden shift into tragedy in the final act was a significant downer for the audience.”
Examples
simple
“The news about the rain was a real downer.”
contextual
“I hate to be a downer, but we need to discuss the budget cuts before the meeting ends.”
complex
“While the first half of the film was a vibrant comedy, the sudden shift into tragedy in the final act was a significant downer for the audience.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'a real downer' or 'to be a downer'.
Etymology
From down + -er.
Perhaps related to tanner (“sixpence”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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