低迷

• Pinyin: dī mí
• Hanzi breakdown: 低 = 亻 + 氐 (low); 迷 = 辶 + 米 (lost, wandering without direction)

Meaning

Sluggish; depressed; in a slump. Describes a prolonged state of poor performance or low activity, especially in markets or morale.

Most frequently used in economic and financial contexts to describe a stagnant market, slow sales, or poor industry performance. Can also describe personal or national morale. Carries a sense of stagnation that is hard to break out of.

Examples

1. 受全球经济影响，国内消费市场持续低迷，零售商压力倍增。 Affected by the global economy, the domestic consumer market has remained sluggish, putting even more pressure on retailers.
2. 球队连续败北后士气低迷，教练不得不调整战术和阵容。 After a string of losses, the team’s morale was low, and the coach had to adjust tactics and the lineup.
3. 楼市低迷已持续两年，开发商纷纷推出优惠政策刺激销售。 The housing market has been weak for two years, and developers have rolled out discounts to boost sales.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, finance, psychology, sports

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 在经济低迷期，企业应注重内部效率提升而非盲目扩张。(During an economic slump, companies should focus on internal efficiency rather than blind expansion.)
• 股市低迷时，长期价值投资者往往能找到被低估的优质资产。(When the stock market is depressed, long-term value investors can often find undervalued quality assets.)

Don't Say

• 市场很低迷着 — remove 着; 低迷 is a stative adjective, not a progressive action; use 市场十分低迷 or 市场处于低迷状态

Origin & History

低 (low) + 迷 (confused/lost) — figuratively lost in a low state

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal