down·beat
ˈdau̇n-ˌbēt 
1
: the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music
also
: the first beat of a measure
2
: a decline in activity or prosperity
: pessimistic, gloomy
a downbeat assessment
Synonyms
Examples of downbeat in a Sentence
Adjective
a downbeat prediction for the company's sales performance in the upcoming year
Recent Examples on the Web
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
The cut in guidance and the downbeat results appear to be unrelated to the demand, which remains high for its obesity drug.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
On Friday, however, new housing data painted a more downbeat picture.
—Lisa Kailai Han,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for downbeat 
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Noun
China’s October trade data is due Thursday after downbeat exports and imports growth in September.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
The cut in guidance and the downbeat results appear to be unrelated to the demand, which remains high for its obesity drug.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The band played a medley of midtempo, downbeat, and atmospheric arrangements, with Glasper providing sparse, complimentary vocals and jokingly claiming credit whenever one of the musicians would turn in an impressive solo performance.
—William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
On Friday, however, new housing data painted a more downbeat picture.
—Lisa Kailai Han,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for downbeat
Dictionary Entries Near downbeat
Cite this Entry
“Downbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downbeat. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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