cloudy

USAGE SUMMARY

"cloudy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is not clear or visible, or that has a large amount of clouds in the sky. For example, "The sky was cloudy, so we decided to postpone our picnic".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even 100 years from now, it is likely that there will be subtleties that remain cloudy about how exactly we should gauge the mental wellbeing of a nation's citizens.

The Guardian

It was cloudy at daybreak, the wind was still.

The Guardian

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, the company behind the port expansion, has always maintained there would be minimal environmental impact, with the water perhaps going cloudy for a while.

The Guardian

Sidebottom put Yorkshire on the fast track with two wickets in successive overs, after Notts had resumed under initially cloudy skies on the final day.

The Guardian - Sport

As the afternoon wears on, a white civilian aid helicopter of a type the soldiers nickname the Jinglebird descends loudly from the cloudy sky.

The New York Times

For example, I refer David to the eye hospital for a red eye and cloudy vision.

The Guardian

You've seen here in the past when it's overcast and cloudy the ball does move around a bit".

The Guardian - Sport

The only disappointment of the trip was that it was cloudy when we got to the top of Orrest Head.

The Guardian - Travel

It wedges its nose under my hand and looks up at me with cloudy, expectant eyes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Few rich-world businesses can feel confident about expanding capacity when the outlook for consumer spending is so cloudy.

The Economist

On cloudy days Germany relies ever more on brown coal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cloudy" to describe both literal atmospheric conditions and figurative situations where clarity is lacking. For instance, "a cloudy sky" or "a cloudy future".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "cloudy" in formal contexts when more precise terms like "ambiguous", "obscure", or "uncertain" could better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "cloudy" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a state of being covered with clouds, lacking clarity, or being uncertain. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "cloudy" is a versatile term used to describe both meteorological conditions and abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, indicating its suitability for general communication. While synonyms like "overcast" and "murky" exist, "cloudy" maintains its relevance across diverse contexts. Remember to use "cloudy" to add valuable descriptive value and avoid overusing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcast

Describes a sky covered with clouds, similar to "cloudy" but specifically referring to weather.

murky

Refers to something dark, gloomy, or obscure, sharing the sense of lack of clarity with "cloudy".

obscured

Implies that something is hidden or unclear, similar to "cloudy" in a figurative sense.

dim

Suggests a lack of brightness or clarity, relating to "cloudy" in terms of reduced visibility.

foggy

Describes a situation with reduced visibility due to fog, akin to the atmospheric obscurity of a "cloudy" day.

hazy

Indicates a lack of clarity or distinctness, sharing the sense of imperfect visibility with "cloudy".

unclear

Describes a situation that is not easily understood or defined, similar to the figurative use of "cloudy".

turbid

Refers to a liquid that is muddy or opaque, connecting to "cloudy" through the theme of reduced clarity.

nebulous

Describes something vague or ill-defined, resembling the figurative use of "cloudy" for abstract concepts.

gloomy

Indicates a state of darkness or depression, relating to "cloudy" in terms of atmospheric or emotional tone.

FAQs

How can I use "cloudy" in a sentence?

You can use "cloudy" to describe the weather, like "It's a "cloudy day"", or to describe something unclear, like "The situation remains "cloudy"".

What are some synonyms for "cloudy"?

Alternatives for "cloudy" include "overcast", "murky", "obscured", and "hazy", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "cloudy" to describe a person's thinking?

Yes, "cloudy" can describe a person's thinking if it's unclear or confused. For example, "His thoughts were "cloudy" after the accident".

What's the difference between "cloudy" and "opaque"?

"Cloudy" generally implies a lack of clarity or transparency, while "opaque" specifically means that light cannot pass through. "Cloudy" can be used figuratively; "opaque" is typically literal.