a deep gloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep gloom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a profound sense of sadness or darkness in a situation or atmosphere. Example: "After hearing the news, a deep gloom settled over the entire community, leaving everyone in a state of shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

ONLY a few months ago a deep gloom hung over the western Balkans.

The Economist

I stepped into a deep gloom and the caretaker shuffled off through the darkness.

The Guardian - Travel

Years later, after talks had hit another impasse, Powell records finding Blair in a deep gloom in his hotel room.

The Guardian

"A deep gloom settled over the city," reported a Chicago newspaper in 1875 after the local White Stockings had been defeated by the St. Louis (Missouri) Brown Stockings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But data compiled by the redoubtable Bill Galston of the Brookings Institution show that this one is unfolding against a deep gloom.

The Economist

The fact that a trusted friend had committed the theft plunged Ms. West into a deep gloom that she said had not been relieved by visits to a hypnotherapist and a psychologist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It was the bottom of a period of deep gloom," Redstone recalls.

Forbes

Baffled by the course of events, he spent his last years in a state of deep gloom.

BBC

This is a day of deep gloom for the McPeaksters, those preaching the gospel of "Peak Oil".

Huffington Post

Jack Wilshere was a glowing exception - a shining light amid deep gloom for Arsenal and Wenger.

BBC

Still, the current outlook is a contrast to the deep gloom of 2008 and 2009.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deep gloom" to describe a pervasive feeling of sadness or despair that affects individuals or entire communities following negative events or news.

Common error

Avoid using "a deep gloom" in situations that are only mildly upsetting or inconvenient. Using it for minor disappointments will diminish its impact when describing truly significant sorrow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep gloom" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state of profound sadness or despondency. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe the atmosphere after bad news or during difficult times. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Unknown

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a deep gloom" is a valid and useful expression to describe a profound sense of sadness or despair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears in a variety of reliable sources, including news articles, encyclopedias, and business publications. While it's most commonly found in "News & Media", it also has a presence in more formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "profound despair" or "oppressive atmosphere" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. However, it is important to avoid overusing the expression in mild situations, as it can diminish its impact when describing truly significant sorrow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound unhappiness

Directly states the feeling of unhappiness, emphasizing its depth and intensity.

heavy sadness

Substitutes "gloom" with a more straightforward expression of sorrow, maintaining the sense of weight.

profound despair

Replaces "gloom" with a more intense term, emphasizing the depth of sadness or hopelessness.

dark mood

Focuses on the emotional state, using "dark" to convey negativity and "mood" to suggest a temporary condition.

sense of despondency

Replaces "gloom" with "despondency", highlighting a loss of hope and enthusiasm.

oppressive atmosphere

Shifts the focus from personal feeling to the environment, highlighting the heavy and burdensome nature of the situation.

pervasive melancholy

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the sadness, using a more formal and literary term.

desolate feeling

Highlights the sense of emptiness and isolation associated with the negative emotion.

bleak outlook

Focuses on the lack of positive prospects or hope for the future.

grave depression

Indicates a serious state of mental dejection and sadness, more intense than "gloom".

FAQs

How can I use "a deep gloom" in a sentence?

You can use "a deep gloom" to describe a situation or feeling characterized by profound sadness or despair. For example, "A deep gloom settled over the town after the factory closed."

What's the difference between "a deep gloom" and "a dark cloud"?

"A deep gloom" typically refers to a state of sadness or despair, while "a dark cloud" often suggests an ominous or threatening situation. The former focuses on emotion, the latter on potential trouble.

What can I say instead of "a deep gloom"?

You can use alternatives like "profound despair", "heavy sadness", or "oppressive atmosphere" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a deep gloom" in formal writing?

Yes, "a deep gloom" is suitable for formal writing when describing a significant sense of sadness or despair. Its use in news articles and formal reports demonstrates its acceptability.