Quick answer: “Down in the dumps” means feeling sad or low in spirits.
Down in the dumps means feeling sad, low, or depressed, usually for a short or temporary period rather than describing a lasting condition.
Origin & History
‘Dumps’ has been used in English since at least the 16th century to mean a state of low spirits or gloominess.
The idiom pictures being figuratively ‘down’ in that low, gloomy place, and remains common in everyday conversation about mood.
Idioms like this are the kind of expression documented in general reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which record how figurative meanings develop in everyday English.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| She's been down in the dumps since she lost her job. | Work, mood |
| Don't worry, everyone feels down in the dumps sometimes. | Reassurance |
| He seemed down in the dumps after the match. | Sport, disappointment |
| The rainy weather always puts me down in the dumps. | Weather, mood |
| They were down in the dumps until the good news arrived. | Change of mood |
How to Use It
The idiom is used with ‘be’, ‘feel’, or ‘seem’, and always keeps the fixed article ‘the’ before ‘dumps’.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
down in dumps.
down in the dumps. — The fixed phrase needs the article ‘the’.
down at the dumps.
down in the dumps. — The preposition is ‘in’, not ‘at’.
down on the dumps.
down in the dumps. — The fixed preposition is ‘in’.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Down in the dumps
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Down in the dumps” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “She's been _____ since she lost her job.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "down in the dumps" mean?
Feeling sad, low, or depressed, usually for a short or temporary period rather than describing a lasting condition.
Where does "down in the dumps" come from?
‘Dumps’ has been used in English since at least the 16th century to mean a state of low spirits or gloominess.
Can you give an example of "down in the dumps" in a sentence?
"She's been down in the dumps since she lost her job." Another: "Don't worry, everyone feels down in the dumps sometimes."
Is "down in the dumps" formal or informal?
It is informal to neutral, and common in everyday spoken and written English.
What CEFR level is "down in the dumps"?
A2. It suits learners who are comfortable with figurative, idiomatic language at this level.
What are common mistakes with "down in the dumps"?
A common mistake is saying “down in dumps” instead of “down in the dumps”. The fixed phrase needs the article ‘the’.
What idioms are similar to "down in the dumps"?
Related expressions include Under the weather, Burst your bubble.
Can "down in the dumps" be used in writing?
Yes, it appears in blogs, informal articles, and everyday written messages, though very formal writing may prefer a more direct wording.
How do I practise idioms like "down in the dumps"?
Use LexFizz Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and try using "down in the dumps" in a sentence of your own to connect the idiom to a real situation.
Is “down in the dumps” serious, like clinical depression?
No, it usually describes ordinary, temporary low mood, not a medical condition. For lasting sadness, more direct or clinical language is more appropriate.