clinical depression
nounUK /ˈklɪnɪkəl dɪˈprɛʃən/
US /ˈklɪnɪkəl dɪˈprɛʃən/
A serious kind of sadness that lasts a long time and makes it hard to do everyday things.
After months of feeling hopeless, he was diagnosed with clinical depression and started seeing a doctor.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A medical diagnosis given when sadness and loss of interest persist for at least two weeks and interfere with daily life.
The doctor explained that clinical depression is an illness, not a sign of weakness.
3. A long-lasting low mood that may require treatment such as counseling or medication.
Her clinical depression improved after several months of therapy.
4. In everyday talk, a very deep and lasting sadness that seems hard to escape.
People sometimes say they have clinical depression when they mean they feel deeply sad for a long time.