depression

Depression is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /dɪˈprɛʃən/
• SAMPA: /dI"prES@n/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular depression

Plural depressions

1. (countable & uncountable) (psychology) If someone has depression, they have a condition which makes them very sad and makes it very hard for them to imagine being happy later.

   After Suzie's dog passed away, she fell into a depression for six months.

2. (countable & uncountable) A depression is when a person's feelings are very sad and unhappy.
   • Synonyms: unhappiness and sadness

   John had a small depression after he lost the tennis match, but in two weeks he was back to normal.

3. (countable) A depression is a low point on a surface.
   • Synonyms: indentation, dent and cavity

   There was a small depression in the ground where the rock had been.

4. (countable & uncountable) A depression is when the economy slows down by a lot.
   • Synonym: recession

   The business community is worried that the oil problems could lead to a depression.

Related words

• depress
• depressed
• depressing
• depressive