ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dumps

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdəmps// UK //dˈʌmps// dumps

n. a state of feeling sad or unhappy. You usually use this in the phrase 'down in the dumps' when you feel a bit depressed.

n. a state of low spirits or mild depression. Almost exclusively used in the plural form within the idiomatic expression 'down in the dumps'.


SIMPLE

He has been down in the dumps since he lost his job.

CONTEXTUAL

After her vacation ended and she had to return to the office, she felt down in the dumps for a few days.

COMPLEX

While the team's recent string of losses has left the fans down in the dumps, the coach remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming playoffs.

Synonyms
Usage

Plural in form but functions as an uncountable concept of mood; typically follows the preposition 'in'.

Pitfall

He is in the dump.He is in the dumps.The idiom for feeling sad always uses the plural 'dumps'; the singular 'dump' refers to a place for waste.

Idioms1 entry

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