doldrums

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɒldrəmz/

plural noun

(the doldrums)
  • 1a state or period of stagnation or depression: the mortgage market has been in the doldrums for three years
  • 2an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms, and light unpredictable winds: Hurricane Verity had been born in the doldrums

Origin:

late 18th century (as doldrum 'dull, sluggish person'): perhaps from dull, on the pattern of tantrums