gloomy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gloomy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a place, situation, or feeling that is sad, dark, and depressing. Example sentence: After the news of his grandfather's passing, Jack's mood was gloomy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TNS, which is regarded as more cautious than other pollsters, said its findings suggested the gap between the SNP and Scottish Labour is much narrower than the 20-point lead given to the nationalists in a spate of other recent polls, but that it was still gloomy news for the Scottish Labour leader, Jim Murphy.

The Guardian

But the imposing brickwork and gloomy galleries put off modern audiences, according to Maria Balshaw, who runs the gallery.

The Guardian

In a foreign policy speech in Sydney on Sunday following the G20 summit, Merkel sounded deeply despondent about Putin's policies and behaviour and gloomy about the prospects of forcing a strategic shift from the Kremlin.

The Guardian

Instead of hope, there is, for many Zimbabweans, fear of what an all-powerful Mugabe means for the future of the country, and gloomy prophecies for an economy still fragile after the hyperinflation horrors of five years ago.

The Guardian

"However, it's important to consider the bigger picture and when you do, it's clear that the future appears to be rather gloomy still.

The Guardian - Business

After the gloomy tone at last week's IMF spring meetings in Washington on Greece and the eurozone's prospects, the fund's top man in Europe, Poul Thomsen, struck a more optimistic note on Monday.

The Guardian - Business

Things don't look a great deal less gloomy for fans of high end US comedy and drama without a Sky subscription.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The media are always getting it in the neck for being gloomy.

The Guardian

Celebrated in song by the likes of Georges Brassens and Yves Duteil, who both lamented its stern and gloomy walls, as well as a backdrop in countless French gangster movies, La Santé has always had a mythic aura for Parisians.

The Guardian

It's pretty great that something so leftfield and, let's face it, gloomy (if beautiful), has connected with so many people.

The Guardian

But these gloomy thoughts soon pale into insignificance after just one morning surgery at my practice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gloomy" to effectively set a negative tone in your writing, whether describing weather, mood, or prospects.

Common error

Avoid using "gloomy" when describing situations that have positive aspects or outcomes. It's best suited for scenarios where the overall sentiment is negative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gloomy" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing their qualities related to darkness, sadness, or pessimism. Ludwig AI shows it's commonly used to depict a negative atmosphere or outlook.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "gloomy" effectively conveys darkness, sadness, or pessimism. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed to set a negative tone across various contexts, notably in News & Media. While "gloomy" is versatile, it's important to avoid using it in positive contexts. Instead, consider alternatives such as "pessimistic" or "bleak" to ensure you are best communicating the intended sentiment. By understanding its nuances, you can use "gloomy" to enhance the emotional depth and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pessimistic

Focuses specifically on a negative outlook or expectation.

bleak

Emphasizes a lack of hope or promise, often in a physical or environmental context.

somber

Highlights a serious or grave mood.

depressed

Indicates a state of low spirits or unhappiness, often related to a personal condition.

dismal

Stresses the cheerless and depressing nature of a situation or place.

dreary

Suggests dullness and lack of interest, often associated with weather or surroundings.

melancholy

Implies a pensive sadness, often with a tinge of longing.

cheerless

Directly contrasts with happiness or joy, highlighting the absence of positivity.

funereal

Relates to or resembles a funeral, implying deep sorrow and solemnity.

despondent

Conveys a loss of hope and confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "gloomy" in a sentence?

You can use "gloomy" to describe a variety of things, such as a "gloomy" day, a "gloomy" outlook, or a person's "gloomy" mood.

What are some synonyms for "gloomy"?

Alternatives to "gloomy" include "pessimistic", "bleak", "somber", and "dismal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "gloomy" versus "sad"?

"Gloomy" often implies a pervasive darkness or lack of hope, while "sad" typically refers to a personal feeling of unhappiness. A "gloomy" forecast suggests bad things to come, whereas feeling "sad" is a direct emotional response.

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

"Gloomy" is a descriptive adjective indicating darkness or despondency. "Depressing" describes something that causes sadness or low spirits. A "gloomy" room might be described as "depressing".