Dumpish

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting a dull or sluggish nature, often associated with an apparent lack of enthusiasm or vigor
2. Displaying a lack of mental sharpness or liveliness, often creating an impression of indifference or dullness in both demeanor and thought processes
3. Showing a slow and uninspired manner that suggests tiredness or boredom

Etymology: "Dumpish" is a plain combination of "dump," meaning low spirits or gloom, and the suffix "-ish," which attaches to a word to mean "somewhat" or "having the qualities of." Put together, the adjective describes someone or something affected by that low, listless mood. The noun "dump" in this sense is an older use than the familiar meaning of a rubbish tip, and it is the older sense that gives "dumpish" its character. A person who is dumpish is not merely tired but sunk in a heavy, joyless state, the kind of dullness that drains all animation. The suffix does the same job it does in words like "greenish" or "childish," softening the noun into a quality that can be felt in degrees.

Synonyms: dull, stupid, foolish, gloomy, sullen

Antonyms: bright, clever, lively, cheerful, happy