foreboding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreboding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or sense that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. Example: "The dark clouds rolling in created a sense of foreboding as we prepared for the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And Marren points out the long history of the red admiral butterfly as a symbol of "evil": red represents danger in nature, and the superstitious saw its blood-red wings as a sign of foreboding when vast numbers of them appeared across Russia in 1881, when Tsar Alexander II was assassinated.

The Guardian - Film

Older voters, meanwhile, look at accelerating prices with foreboding.

The Economist

Not surprisingly, foreboding about a newly aggressive Jewish state has prompted moves to consolidate Arab ranks, fractured since the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.There is little doubt that Mr Sharon's victory will speed the rehabilitation of Iraq, a country that has traditionally been seen as the Arabs' strategic hinterland.

The Economist

THE Gothenburg summit of the European Union that starts on June 14th is being viewed by its Swedish hosts with excitement tinged with a faint sense of foreboding.

The Economist

THE spectacle of American, British and French missiles pulverising an Arab and Muslim country at the dead of night arouses a sense of foreboding.

The Economist

Most Syrians have little doubt who the culprits are.Growing sectarian tensions are another cause for foreboding.

The Economist

The prospect of Turkish membership, however far off, fills many present members with foreboding.

The Economist

Instead, there are groans, and a sense of foreboding.

The Economist

But such acts of support can no longer be guaranteed, filling Israelis with foreboding.

The Economist

The mood at ISAF was one of deep shock combined with a sense of foreboding.

The Economist

Small wonder that French bosses greeted François Hollande's election as president with more than a frisson of foreboding.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foreboding" to add depth and tension to your writing when you want to create a sense of impending doom or unease. It's particularly effective in narratives where the characters sense something bad is about to happen.

Common error

Avoid using "foreboding" when a simpler term like "discomfort" or "worry" suffices. "Foreboding" implies a significant, often ominous, future event, not just minor inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foreboding" is typically as a noun, denoting a feeling or presentiment of something bad that is about to happen. It can also function as an adjective as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreboding" functions primarily as a noun to describe a feeling of impending doom, though it can also be used as an adjective. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "ominous feeling" and "sense of dread" exist, "foreboding" specifically conveys an anticipation of negative future events. To ensure effective writing, use "foreboding" when a significant, ominous event is anticipated, not for minor inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ominous feeling

Highlights the threatening and inauspicious nature of the feeling.

Impending doom

Focuses specifically on the sense of inevitable negative consequences.

Sense of dread

Conveys a stronger feeling of fear and anxiety than "foreboding".

Impending threat

Emphasizes the looming danger that causes "foreboding".

Sense of unease

Captures the feeling of discomfort and anxiety associated with "foreboding".

Looming danger

Focuses on the sense of peril that is close and threatening.

Feeling of apprehension

Indicates anxiety or fear that something bad will happen.

Premonition of disaster

Specifically suggests a feeling that a catastrophic event is approaching.

Presentiment of evil

Emphasizes the intuitive feeling that something wicked is about to occur.

Threatening atmosphere

Describes the environment that causes the feeling of "foreboding".

FAQs

How can I use "foreboding" in a sentence?

Use "foreboding" to describe a feeling that something bad or evil is going to happen. For example: "A sense of "foreboding" filled the air as the storm approached."

What are some synonyms for "foreboding"?

Synonyms for "foreboding" include "premonition", "presentiment", "omen", and "apprehension".

Is it correct to say "a sense of foreboding"?

Yes, it is correct. "A sense of "foreboding"" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

What is the difference between "foreboding" and "fear"?

"Foreboding" is a feeling that something bad is going to happen in the future, while "fear" is an immediate reaction to a present danger or threat. "Foreboding" is anticipatory, while fear is immediate.