depression

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
noun a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment
noun a sunken or depressed geological formation

From Middle English depression, depressioun, from Old French depression, from Latin dēpressiō. Equivalent to depress + -ion.

Business depression and hard times followed. — A School History of the United States, John Bach McMaster
That very fact increased the depression. — Antony Gray,—Gardener, LM (Leslie Moore)
One connected the landing window with depression. — A Room with a View, E. M. (Edward Morgan) Forster

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