depressing

UK: dɪˈpresɪŋ | US: dɪˈpresɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. causing sadness or hopelessness

  2. vt. (present participle of "depress") pressing down; lowering in spirits

Structure
depress <press down>ing <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "depressing" stems from the Latin deprimere ("to press down"), combining de- (down) and premere (to press). The sense of "lowering spirits" emerged in Late Middle English, metaphorically extending the physical act of pressing down to emotional weight. The suffix -ing turns the verb into an adjective, describing something that induces this state.

Examples

  1. The rainy weather was deeply depressing.

  2. She found the news article about climate change depressing.

  3. His constant complaints created a depressing atmosphere.

  4. The abandoned house had a depressing silence.

  5. Financial struggles can be emotionally depressing.