If a person, organization, economy, etc. comes out of the doldrums, they improve and become more successful and active. Still, today's estimates provide hope the economy may finally be coming out of the doldrums. With her humour and upbeat spirit, Jane got me right out of the doldrums I'd been in for three years. Note: The above expressions relate to the Doldrums, which is an area of sea near the equator where there is often little or no wind. This meant that sailing ships could be stuck there for long periods. It is not clear whether sailors named the area after the expression, or whether the name for the area gave rise to the expression, although the first possibility is more likely.