depressing UK /dɪˈpɹɛsɪŋ(ɡ)/US /dɪˈpɹɛsɪŋ/ adjective2 •Causing depression or sadness.The television news was depressing, so rather than start crying I turned it off. •Causing a reduction in economic activity.The policy may have a depressing effect on some branches of industry. formsmore depressing · most depressing