dismal mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal mood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of sadness or gloominess in a person's emotional condition. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she fell into a dismal mood that lasted for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

During the first 10 minutes, I sank into a slough of despond, not because The One's dismal mood inspired sympathy, but because of Fosse's stultifying repetitiveness.

Independent

The warning worsened the already dismal mood in relations between Moscow and the west caused by the shock of post-Soviet Russia's first invasion of a foreign country.

The Guardian

But a lethal combination of self-fulfilling expectations and policy errors could cause economic reality to bend to the dismal mood prevailing in financial markets.

The Guardian - Business

The former doesn't come close to expressing the long list of symptoms that apply (insomnia, anxiety, dismal mood, panic, thoughts of suicide, loss of energy/weight/joy/libido/love).

The Guardian

Midwives even encourage new parents to speak the tongue to their babies.In this section Watch your mouth Abode of Islam From mother tongue to meal ticket Cold shower Devaluation Greener than thou Sobering ReprintsYet Welsh-language campaigners are in a dismal mood.

The Economist

When the AMC drama "Breaking Bad," about a terminally ill scientist with a doomed career, inadequate health coverage and a newfound taste for drug dealing, made its debut last winter, its aggressively dismal mood struck some viewers as groundless and a bit much.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The mood is dismal.

The New York Times

The mood was dismal but not hopeless at a daylong University conference April 7 that addressed how our democracy is threatened by Russian hacking and election interference, loss of privacy due to technology, and the "post-truth" media landscape.

Princeton University

As I read through this entry, my mood grew increasingly dismal.

Stanford University

"The mood is quite dismal right now in China's media".

The Guardian

Liverpool have been so dismal of late, and the mood around the club so bleak, that without it, he could be at severe risk of losing his job.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "dismal mood" to describe a temporary state of sadness or negativity, often in response to specific events or circumstances. It's less intense than clinical depression.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal mood" in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and technical terms when describing emotional states in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal mood" functions as a noun phrase that describes a temporary state of unhappiness or gloom. It typically follows a linking verb (e.g. 'was', 'is', 'seemed') or is used with prepositions to describe someone's emotional condition, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismal mood" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a temporary state of sadness or unhappiness. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, making it appropriate for general conversation and news articles. While not suitable for highly formal or scientific contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of gloom or despondency linked to specific events. Alternative phrases like "gloomy atmosphere" or "somber feeling" can be used depending on the context. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore its applicability in describing emotional reactions to negative situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gloomy atmosphere

Focuses on the environment rather than a personal feeling.

somber feeling

Highlights a serious and grave emotional state.

depressed state of mind

Emphasizes a more clinical and internal feeling of depression.

despondent attitude

Implies a loss of hope and enthusiasm.

melancholy frame of mind

Indicates a reflective and pensive sadness.

downcast spirit

Refers to a lowered morale or enthusiasm.

bleak outlook

Shifts the focus to future expectations being negative.

heavy heart

Conveys a sense of sadness and emotional burden.

pessimistic disposition

Highlights a general tendency to expect negative outcomes.

unhappy sentiment

A more general expression of unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I use "dismal mood" in a sentence?

You can use "dismal mood" to describe someone's temporary state of unhappiness. For instance, "After the project failed, he was in a "dismal mood" for days."

What are some synonyms for "dismal mood"?

Alternatives include "gloomy atmosphere", "depressed state of mind", or "somber feeling" depending on the specific context and intensity you want to convey.

Is "dismal mood" too informal for professional writing?

While "dismal mood" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "despondent attitude" or "melancholy frame of mind" for professional contexts to maintain a higher level of formality and precision.

How does "dismal mood" differ from clinical depression?

"Dismal mood" typically refers to a temporary state of sadness or negativity triggered by specific events, whereas clinical depression is a persistent and more severe mental health condition requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.