noun

depression

dih-PREH-shuhn

noun

A mental health condition marked by persistent sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in life.

"He started therapy after being diagnosed with depression."

"Depression affects millions of people worldwide, not just mood but sleep and appetite too."

A period of severe decline in a country's economy, with high unemployment and falling output.

"The Great Depression of the 1930s left lasting scars on the global economy."

A hollow or sunken area, such as in land or a surface.

"Rainwater collected in a small depression in the field."

An area of low atmospheric pressure that often brings unsettled or stormy weather.

"A tropical depression is expected to strengthen into a storm by the weekend."

How to Use Depression

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pressing-down — used for a mental health condition, an economic slump, a dip in land, or a low-pressure weather system.

When to use it

When talking about mental health, use it thoughtfully; it refers to a real, diagnosable condition, not just everyday sadness.

Common pairings

suffer from depression economic depression weather depression shallow depression

depressions plural

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Can you complete this real example?

He started therapy after being diagnosed with _____.

From Old French depression, from Latin depressio, built on deprimere, "to press down."

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