filled with gloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with gloom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, atmosphere, or feeling that is characterized by sadness or despair. Example: "The abandoned house stood silent, filled with gloom, as if it held the memories of happier times long gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But not everybody is filled with gloom about the future of Japanese baseball.

The New York Times

But that does not mean that photofinishers are necessarily filled with gloom.

The New York Times

But not everyone interviewed was filled with gloom when asked about their work for the county.

The New York Times

Once a boy filled with hatred, and a heart filled with gloom But through this I can bloom.

The New York Times

BBC Four is likely to be stripped down and relaunched as an arts channel, making it a more direct competitor to BSkyB's Sky Arts.The BBC's lower ranks are filled with gloom over the cuts.

The Economist

Despite a year seemingly filled with gloom and near constant reminders of humanity's failings, the Nobel Peace prize will reward a person, or organisation, who's worked tirelessly for peace despite the world's many hurdles.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The man is filled with irredeemable gloom about the state of the world.

The New York Times - Books

Many of us are filled with irredeemable gloom about the state of the world, but not like Vollmann.

The New York Times - Books

"All the locals were filled with doom and gloom," she said.

The Guardian - Travel

"It is tempting and understandable to ignore the evidence and carry on as usual or to be filled with doom and gloom.

The Washington Post

Then Teddy Pendergrass starts blubbing about how, since his woman left, he's been drinking to forget, "sitting in my lonely room, filled with nothing but gloom".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "filled with gloom", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the depth and intensity of the sadness or despair you intend to convey. It's often most effective when describing an atmosphere, environment, or emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with gloom" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant sadness, despair, or negativity. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with gloom" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjectival phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to characterize a subject (person, place, or thing) as being permeated by sadness or despair. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing both emotional states and physical environments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filled with gloom" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, primarily functioning as a descriptive element to convey sadness or despair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and can be used to describe an emotional state or an environment. Though somewhat uncommon, the phrase appears predominantly in News & Media sources. Alternatives include "overwhelmed by sadness" or "consumed by despair", offering nuanced options for expressing similar sentiments. When using the phrase, reserve it for contexts where a significant sense of sadness or despair is intended, avoiding overuse in lighter situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed by despair

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of despair, suggesting a complete takeover of one's emotions.

engulfed in misery

Emphasizes the feeling of being completely surrounded and overpowered by misery.

overwhelmed by sadness

Focuses on the intensity of the feeling of sadness, emphasizing being overcome by it.

weighed down by depression

Focuses on the oppressive and debilitating nature of depression, suggesting a heavy emotional burden.

heavy with grief

Highlights the intense emotional pain and sense of loss associated with grief.

sunk in despondency

Emphasizes a state of being deeply immersed in feelings of hopelessness and discouragement.

burdened by sorrow

Focuses on the weight and oppressive nature of sorrow, suggesting a heavy emotional load.

stricken with melancholy

Emphasizes a state of prolonged sadness and pensiveness, often without a clear cause.

immersed in dejection

Highlights a state of being completely absorbed in feelings of sadness and low spirits.

awash with unhappiness

Suggests being flooded or overwhelmed by feelings of unhappiness and discontent.

FAQs

How can I use "filled with gloom" in a sentence?

You can use "filled with gloom" to describe a place, situation, or person characterized by deep sadness or despair. For example: "The old house was "filled with gloom" after the family moved out" or "His heart was "filled with gloom" after receiving the bad news."

What are some alternatives to "filled with gloom"?

Some alternatives include "overwhelmed by sadness", "consumed by despair", or "sunk in despondency", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "full of gloom" instead of "filled with gloom"?

Yes, "full of gloom" is also grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning. Both phrases can be used to describe something characterized by sadness or despair. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "filled with gloom" and "beset with gloom"?

"Filled with gloom" describes a state of being saturated or permeated by sadness or despair, while "beset with gloom" suggests being troubled or plagued by it. "Beset" implies an active force or challenge, while "filled" simply describes a condition.