dreary

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "dreary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is dull, bleak, or depressing, often in reference to weather, scenery, or a mood. Example: "The sky was overcast and the rain made the day feel particularly dreary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today Cameron adopted a much less hysterical approach and this, plus the dreary predictability of Cameron's Unite jibes, was enough to give Miliband the edge, although it was not very clear cut and Miliband's Pickles quote and Cameron's Reynolds/Benn/Betts quote more or less cancelled each other out.

The Guardian

My initial reaction on hearing the story on Twitter (the Carmichael scandal is bound to be hushed up by the mainstream media, predicted my dreary and inaccurate informant) was that Carmichael had shown bad character.

The Guardian

In Proust's Remembrance of Things Past, the narrator depicts the "powerful joy" that a tea-soaked madeleine awakes in him when he is "dispirited after a dreary day, with the prospect of a depressing morrow".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a dreary microcosm of Carlton's muddled, mostly failing quest to define what their once-great club stands for in 2015, where it's heading and who is capable of getting it there.

The Guardian - Sport

The Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, meanwhile, has created an innovative plan for highway illumination, making the dreary sector seem like fertile ground for sustainable innovation.

The Guardian

I use the word dreary, because I think lots of people are dreary and I don't care about them actually.

The Guardian - Arts

In reality, it set the mould for the dreary expanses of carpet tiles and suspended ceilings that have proliferated ever since; research has also suggested that open offices "make people less productive and more hostile and anxious".

The Guardian - Arts

In the second place, the empire of the Romans filled all the world, and when that empire fell into the hands of a single person, the world was a safe and dreary prison for his enemies.

The Guardian - Tech

The book was derided as "buttoned-up," "safe and unchallenging" and "boring and dreary".

The Guardian

Henry James, with a mixture of envy and distaste, noted that he "fixes a hard eye on some spot of human life, usually some dreary, ugly, shabby, sordid one, takes up the particle, and squeezes it either till it grimaces or bleeds".

The Guardian - Books

The whole map of Europe has been changed … The mode of thought of men, the whole outlook on affairs, the grouping of parties, all have encountered violent and tremendous changes in the deluge of the world, but as the deluge subsides and waters fall, we see the dreary steeple of Fermanagh and Tyrone emerging once again.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dreary", consider contrasting it with elements of hope or brightness to emphasize the impact of the gloom.

Common error

Avoid using "dreary" in overly casual conversations. It's a relatively strong word, and simpler adjectives like "boring" or "dull" might be more appropriate in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "dreary" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as dull, bleak, or depressing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it typically evokes a sense of prolonged or pervasive gloominess. Examples include "dreary day" or "dreary prison".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dreary" is a common adjective used to describe something dull, bleak, or depressing, mainly in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While appropriate for most writing, it should be used thoughtfully in casual settings. Related terms include "dismal" and "gloomy", each with slightly different nuances. Using "dreary" effectively involves contrasting it with elements of hope and avoiding overuse in simple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dismal

Focuses on the depressing or hopeless aspect, often implying a lack of positive outlook.

gloomy

Highlights the darkness or lack of light, either literally or figuratively.

bleak

Emphasizes the harshness or lack of comfort in a situation or environment.

dull

Indicates a lack of excitement, interest, or brightness.

cheerless

Directly points out the absence of joy or happiness.

somber

Suggests a serious or grave atmosphere, often associated with sadness.

depressing

Explicitly states that something causes sadness or low spirits.

monotonous

Highlights the repetitive and uninteresting nature of something, leading to boredom.

uninspiring

Indicates a lack of motivation or excitement.

lackluster

Suggests a lack of vitality, enthusiasm, or brilliance.

FAQs

How can I use "dreary" in a sentence?

You can use "dreary" to describe weather, landscapes, or even moods. For example, "The "dreary weather" made me want to stay inside" or "The office had a "dreary atmosphere" that affected everyone's productivity".

What are some words similar to "dreary"?

Synonyms for "dreary" include "dismal", "gloomy", "bleak", and "dull". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dreary" formal or informal?

"Dreary" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It's appropriate in most writing contexts but might be a bit strong for very casual conversation.

What's the difference between "dreary" and "depressing"?

"Dreary" describes something that is dull or bleak, creating a sense of gloom. "Depressing" explicitly states that something causes feelings of sadness or low spirits. A "dreary day" might be depressing, but something can be dreary without being intensely depressing.