depressing

adjective

de·​press·​ing di-ˈpre-siŋ How to pronounce depressing (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of depressingnext
: that depresses
especially : causing emotional depression
a depressing story
depressingly
di-ˈpre-siŋ-lē How to pronounce depressing (audio)
dē-
adverb

Synonyms of depressing

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Examples of depressing in a Sentence

This rainy weather is depressing. He paints a depressing picture of modern life.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The simple, rather depressing, and completely overwhelming fact of the matter is that the Marvel Cinematic Universe cannot be ignored, even as superhero fatigue has definitively set in at the global box office. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 The glow through the translucent stone façade prevents that journey from being downright depressing. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 The dark, depressing story was revitalized, with a new lead character, on-screen marital issues, explosive action, and one of the most charismatic and interesting villains ever put to screen. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 All the while, Myers assembles a possible titan in Philly, and the Warriors are left staring down the pipe at another depressing play-in tournament exit at absolute best. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressing

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressing was in 1556

Rhymes for depressing

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Browse Nearby Words

depressible
depressing
depression
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Cite this Entry

“Depressing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressing. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on depressing

Nglish: Translation of depressing for Spanish Speakers

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