Skip to content

Depression Definition & Meaning

depression
noun
  1. a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
  2. a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment
  3. a sunken or depressed geological formation
  4. sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy
  5. a period during the 1930s when there was a worldwide economic depression and mass unemployment
  6. an air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation; "a low moved in over night bringing sleet and snow"
  7. a state of depression and anhedonia so severe as to require clinical intervention
  8. a concavity in a surface produced by pressing; "he left the impression of his fingers in the soft mud"
  9. angular distance below the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  10. pushing down; "depression of the space bar on the typewriter"

"Depression" in song lyrics

See how depression is used in real songs:

  • "manic depression"
    Aesop Rock f/ Pfac — Cook it Up
  • "My labels need confession to free me from deep depression"
    Akir — Apocalypse
  • "Despite all the pain and depression"
    Antonious — Deception

Usage tips for "depression"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "depression" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for depression to find words that pair well.

Use "depression" in a verse

Now that you know what "depression" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does depression mean?
a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment a sunken or depressed geological formation sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy a period during the 1930s when there was a worldwide economic depression and mass unemployment an air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation
What part of speech is depression?
Depression is a noun.
How many definitions does depression have?
Depression has 10 definitions across 1 part of speech (noun).

Look up another word