Doldrums

doldrums [ DOHL-druh'mz ]
[ noun ]

MEANING :
1. stagnation or a state where there is no activity
2. a slump or a period of depression
3. a region of the ocean near the equator, characterized by light winds or squalls.

EXAMPLE 1 :
The company was in the doldrums after missing out on the huge contract.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The Western economies remain in the doldrums, yet oil prices just surged above $70 a barrel.