Doldrums
/ˈdoʊl.drəmz/noun
A state of sluggishness, low spirits, or inactivity; also, a calm, windless belt near the equator.
Did you know?The nautical sense of the doldrums refers to the equatorial calm zone where sailing ships could be stranded for days, and the word’s older English roots were tied to dullness and foolishness rather than any mystical curse.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
dol
“foolish, stupid”
Middle English
ME
dold
“dull, sluggish, simple-minded”
18th Century
English
doldrums
“a state of listlessness or low spirits”
18th Century
English
the doldrums
“the calm, windless equatorial belt that could trap sailing ships”
Modern English
English
doldrums
“a period of stagnation, low energy, or depression”