be in the doldrums

1. To be depressed or in low spirits; to be lethargic, sluggish, or lacking energy. I've been down in the doldrums ever since my grandfather died last month. I haven't really felt like going out and seeing friends lately. I'm just down in the doldrums a bit, I suppose. A: "Why does Chris seem so miserable?" B: "He hates the cold weather, so I suspect that's why he's in the doldrums right now."

2. To be in a state of stagnation; to lack activity or progress. After being in the doldrums for the past several years, the economy finally began to pick up over the last two months. The company has been in the doldrums ever since they replaced their CEO. The school had been in the doldrums for decades until it got a very generous gift from an anonymous donor.