doldrums Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of inactivity (in business or art etc)
    stagnancy; stagnation.
    • economic growth of less than 1% per year is considered to be economic stagnation
  2. noun a belt of calms and light winds between the northern and southern trade winds of the Atlantic and Pacific

WordNet

Dol"drums noun plural
Etymology
Cf. Gael. doltrum grief, vexation?
Definitions
  1. A part of the ocean near the equator, abounding in calms, squalls, and light, baffling winds, which sometimes prevent all progress for weeks; -- so called by sailors.

Webster 1913