depressed

1 of 2

adjective

de·​pressed di-ˈprest How to pronounce depressed (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of depressed
1
: low in spirits : sad
especially : affected by psychological depression
2
a
: vertically flattened
a depressed cactus
b
: having the central part lower than the margin
c
: lying flat or prostrate
d
: dorsoventrally flattened
3
: suffering from economic depression
especially : underprivileged
living in a depressed area
4
: being below the standard
Prices remain at a depressed level.

depressed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of depress

Synonyms of depressed

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of depressed in a Sentence

Adjective The rainy weather had her feeling lonely and depressed. He was depressed about having to return to school. The new drug is being tested on a group of severely depressed patients. living in a depressed area The patient has a somewhat depressed appetite. Prices have remained at a depressed level.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Sprague conceded Clancy had mental health issues and was depressed. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 During the state’s closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague claimed Clancy was depressed and suicidal, but not suffering from psychosis. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Housing stories in California can leave me feeling, well, depressed. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 By the same token, our cash level at the end of March was partially depressed by executing on that distribution. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for depressed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressed was in 1530

Phrases Containing depressed

Rhymes for depressed

See All Rhymes for depressed

Browse Nearby Words

depressant
depressed
depressed arch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Depressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressed. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

depressed

adjective
de·​pressed
1
a
: low in spirits : sad
b
: suffering from mental depression
2
: suffering from economic depression

Medical Definition

depressed

adjective
de·​pressed di-ˈprest How to pronounce depressed (audio)
1
: low in spirits
specifically : affected by psychological depression
a severely depressed patient
2
a
: having the central part lower than the margin
a depressed pustule
b
: dorsoventrally flattened
the tapeworm is a depressed animal—R. A. Wardle & J. A. McLeod
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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