depressing
/dɪˈpɹɛsɪŋ(ɡ)/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Causing depression or sadness.
Adjective
Examples
The television news was depressing, so rather than start crying I turned it off.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Causing a reduction in economic activity.
Adjective
Examples
The policy may have a depressing effect on some branches of industry.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “depressing” mean?
Causing depression or sadness.
Is “depressing” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.