Downbeat
Downbeat /ˈdaʊn.biːt/ (adj)
hopeless, pessimistic and gloomy – desperate – depressing and negative, somber
Downbeat in context
Life has so many downbeat and upbeat moments which are ephemeral.
After hearing the unexpected news of the company’s major restructuring, the office atmosphere turned distinctly downbeat. The once lively chatter around the water cooler was replaced with hushed whispers and concerned glances. Employees who were typically upbeat and enthusiastic seemed weighed down by uncertainty, their morale visibly affected. Even the weekly team meeting, usually a time for sharing successes and positive updates, felt subdued and somber. The downbeat mood lingered, reflecting the collective anxiety about what the future would hold for everyone involved.
