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
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
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Doors at the Longhorn Ballroom open at 6:30 p.m. on May 29 for the birthday benefit, with downbeat at 7:30.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025
Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 4 June 2025
Not according to the Monegasque, who remains downbeat about his and his team’s prospects this season.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for downbeat
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
This year, several other art-house and repertory film organizations around the country are getting in on the downbeat, among them the Paris Theater in New York City and the Music Box in Chicago.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
Doors at the Longhorn Ballroom open at 6:30 p.m. on May 29 for the birthday benefit, with downbeat at 7:30.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025
Adjective
Araghchi and Khamenei were downbeat on the U.S. proposal in comments this week.
—Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 4 June 2025
Not according to the Monegasque, who remains downbeat about his and his team’s prospects this season.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for downbeat
Cite this Entry
“Downbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downbeat. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share