低迷

• Reading: ていめい
• Romaji: teimei
• Kanji breakdown: 低 (tei/hiku) — low; 迷 (mei/mayo) — wander, be lost, confused
• Pronunciation: /teː.meː/

Meaning

Stagnation; slump; doldrums. A prolonged period of low performance, activity, or mood that does not recover easily.

A suru-verb noun (低迷する) describing extended underperformance in economic, sporting, organisational, or atmospheric contexts. The metaphor is of something hovering low without rising — 迷 (wandering, lost) reinforces the sense of aimless stagnation rather than simply being at a low point.

Examples

1. 長期的な景気低迷が続き、消費が落ち込んでいる。 A prolonged economic slump continues, and consumption has fallen.
2. 売上が低迷しているため、戦略の見直しが必要だ。 Sales are in a slump, so the strategy needs to be reviewed.
3. チームの士気が低迷したまま試合を迎えることになった。 The team was set to face the match with morale still in the doldrums.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, business, sports

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 低 (low) and 迷 (wander, be lost). Together they evoke something wandering at a low altitude without direction or recovery.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal