Another Word for Depressed – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
The word depressed is used both in a serious clinical sense (referring to the medical condition of depression) and in a casual way to mean very sad or low in spirit. To make your English more varied and sensitive to the context, learning another word for depressed will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean dejected, gloomy, or clinically unhappy.
What is Another Word for Depressed?
A great synonym for depressed (in the general sense of low mood) is dejected. Depressed means in a state of unhappiness and low spirits. Dejected means sad and depressed; disheartened. Both words describe feeling low and discouraged. While depressed often refers to a more prolonged or serious state, dejected is excellent for describing temporary disappointment or discouragement.
Meaning of “Depressed”
Depressed means in a state of unhappiness and low spirits; or, (in a clinical sense) suffering from the medical condition of depression. It can also mean lowered or flattened (like terrain).
We use it for feelings (feeling depressed), places (a depressed area), or markets (a depressed stock market).
Synonyms for “Depressed”
Here are some common ways to say depressed:
- Dejected: Sad and depressed; disheartened. Used for general low spirits or disappointment.
- Gloomy: Causing or feeling depression or pessimism; dark or dim. Often used to describe mood or atmosphere.
- Sullen: Bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy. Suggests silent resentment or bad humor.
- Mournful: Feeling, expressing, or inducing sadness, regret, or grief. Used for deep sadness, often related to loss.
- Downtrodden: Oppressed or subdued. Used when referring to social or economic disadvantage.
Example Sentences
- She felt dejected after failing the final exam despite studying hard.
- The constant rain gave the old house a gloomy atmosphere.
- After the argument, he sat alone in the corner with a sullen expression.
- The music played at the funeral was slow and deeply mournful.
- The company decided to invest in the city’s downtrodden industrial area.
Mini Dialogue
Sam: “How did you feel when you heard the bad news from your family?”
Mia: “I felt very depressed for a while, but I’m trying to stay positive now.”
Sam: “I understand. It’s hard to shake off that gloomy feeling.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t say: I am depressed about my sadness. (The adjective already expresses the sadness.)
✅ Do say: I am depressed about the situation. (Use the adjective to describe your feeling towards the situation.)
Let’s Practice!
Which synonym best fits this sentence? “The workers in the old factory town felt __________ after the last major employer closed its doors.” (Answer: Downtrodden – This synonym works best because it refers specifically to the feeling of being oppressed, subdued, or disadvantaged, often economically or socially.)
Practice Tip
Use one new synonym for depressed in your next message or conversation today.
Final Note
Knowing what is another word for depressed and practicing synonyms like dejected and gloomy will help you describe low spirits and sad feelings clearly.
