dull weather

USAGE SUMMARY

'dull weather' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a day or a period of time that has little or no sunshine, wind, or other weather activity. For example, "It's been a long week of dull weather with heavy clouds covering the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The flowers close at night and in dull weather.

Britannica

"We tend to think of this country as having fairly dull weather.

Independent

Most anglers will agree that dull weather, with a steady barometer and veiled in misting rain, is optimal unless it is simply too wintry and raw.

The New York Times - Sports

Van Rysselberghe, too, was a Pointillist petit maître, but his view of a Flemish canal in dull weather was exhibited scores of times in historic shows during the last 109 years.

The New York Times - Arts

On one such visit I made, it was clear that there was absolutely no rapport between the headteacher and the children – we walked and talked as the children passed by like dull weather.

The Guardian

The cold from the outside froze the moisture which condensed on the window panes, so that throughout the winter it was impossible to see through the windows, and in dull weather so little light came through that artificial light would be needed throughout the day.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He was an unusually close watcher of ordinary conditions: "This weeke was wonderfull dull and malincholly weather," he wrote on Tuesday 31 December 1654, while struggling with a cold and hoping it would not go to his chest.

The Guardian - Books

The Irish Times television critic Shane Hegarty, who called the show "dull as the weather," wrote: "The vessel is light on personality and heavy on vomit.

The New York Times

With only 250 or so people dotted around the stands at the start of play and the atmosphere as dull as the weather, the Scot realised quickly he was now a long way from Wimbledon.

The Guardian - Sport

A reassuringly dull year of mild weather and bumper harvests is in prospect.

The Economist

So far my replacement joint gives me no problems other than a dull ache whenever the weather changes!

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dull weather" to precisely describe days with little sunshine and subdued atmospheric conditions. It effectively conveys a lack of vibrancy in the environment.

Common error

Avoid using "dull weather" repetitively in descriptive passages. Overuse can make your writing seem monotonous. Instead, vary your descriptions with specific details about the clouds, temperature, or other sensory elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dull weather" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or serving as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

11%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dull weather" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe atmospheric conditions lacking brightness and vibrancy. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While "dull weather" is not exceedingly common, it finds its place in news reports, encyclopedic entries, and general descriptive writing, as found in the Ludwig examples. When using "dull weather", consider varying your descriptions with more specific details and sensory elements to avoid monotony. Alternative phrases such as "overcast skies" or "dreary conditions" can be used to add nuance and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gray skies

Describes the color and appearance of the sky when the weather is not bright.

cloudy day

A simple and direct way to describe weather with significant cloud cover.

overcast skies

Replaces "dull weather" with a focus on the sky's appearance.

dreary conditions

Emphasizes the unpleasant and depressing nature of the weather.

gloomy atmosphere

Shifts the focus from weather to the overall feeling of the environment.

lifeless skies

Focuses on the lack of vitality in the appearance of the sky.

uninspiring skies

Highlights the lack of beauty or interest in the sky's appearance.

monotonous weather

Emphasizes the unchanging and uninteresting nature of the weather.

somber climate

Replaces the focus from short-term conditions to long-term climate and evokes a heavier mood.

lackluster climate

Highlights the lack of brightness in the existing weather.

FAQs

How can I describe "dull weather" in more detail?

To provide a more detailed description, consider adding sensory details. For example, you could describe the specific type of clouds, the temperature, the level of humidity, or how the dim light affects colors and shadows. Phrases like "overcast skies" or "gray skies" can also add nuance.

What is the difference between "dull weather" and "dreary weather"?

"Dull weather" generally refers to a lack of brightness or vibrancy in the atmospheric conditions. "Dreary weather" often implies a more negative emotional impact, suggesting a depressing or gloomy atmosphere.

Is "dull weather" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "dull weather" is suitable for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it effectively conveys the intended meaning.

What are some synonyms for "dull weather" that don't include the word 'dull'?

Alternatives include "overcast conditions", "cloudy weather", or "gray day". These phrases capture the essence of "dull weather" by focusing on the lack of brightness or sunshine.