凹む

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: It is read へこむ. This verb relates to the inward shape of 凹 and describes either a dent forming or someone feeling deflated.
• Basic usage: With an object as its subject, it describes a change in shape, such as a dent caused by an impact. In the example, a ball dents the car door.
  • ボールが当たって車のドアが凹んだ。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Conversational use for discouragement
  • 凹んでいる can also describe feeling low after a setback. When it refers to someone's mood, as in the interview example, understand it as feeling discouraged, not having a physical dent.