gloomy mood

USAGE SUMMARY

'gloomy mood' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that appears to be in a depressed or somber state. Example sentence: The cloudy weather put everyone in a gloomy mood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The documents reflect the gloomy mood.

The Guardian - Business

Wincing slightly, Sahira rallies but has caught the gloomy mood.

The New York Times

European markets, too, started the day in a gloomy mood.

The New York Times

Other European bourses were affected by the gloomy mood.

The Guardian - Business

Despite the gloomy mood, the historical backdrop is stunning progress in human decency over recent centuries.

The New York Times

The other day, I called Mike Filippou again, and found him in a gloomy mood.

The New Yorker

A host of poor economic news from around the globe added to the gloomy mood.

The Guardian - Business

The last time I saw Earl Sweatshirt, he was in a gloomy mood.

The Guardian - Music

Amid the gloomy mood, some Assad loyalists tried to stir a sense of patriotism.

The Guardian

Yet Ukraine's free (and frequent) elections are providing neither good governance nor stability, which may explain the voters' gloomy mood.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although cuts may follow, in the current gloomy mood German unemployment rose sharply in January there are signs the euro area's economy is bottoming out.So far, this is more hope than fact.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or event, use "gloomy mood" to set a tone of negativity or sadness. For example, "The economic downturn cast a "gloomy mood" over the city."

Common error

Avoid using "gloomy mood" for minor inconveniences or fleeting moments of sadness. Save it for situations with deeper or more lasting negativity, to preserve its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gloomy mood" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (like situation, atmosphere, or person) to indicate a state of sadness, depression, or negativity. It is commonly used to establish a particular emotional context, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gloomy mood" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a negative emotional atmosphere or state. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, formal business contexts, and even on Wikipedia. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a genuine sense of sadness or despondency is present, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "somber atmosphere" or "downcast spirit" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Using "gloomy mood" effectively can enhance your writing by setting the right tone and evoking the desired emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somber atmosphere

Emphasizes the environment's tone instead of an individual's feeling.

melancholy feeling

Conveys a more reflective and perhaps less intense sadness.

depressed state

Focuses on the psychological condition rather than the atmosphere.

heavy heartedness

Describes the feeling of sadness weighing someone down.

despondent attitude

Highlights a lack of hope and enthusiasm.

sad disposition

Refers to a general tendency towards sadness.

downcast spirit

Highlights the emotional state or morale of a person or group.

bleak outlook

Focuses on the lack of positive prospects.

dismal outlook

Implies a hopeless or negative perspective.

pessimistic outlook

Centers on expectations about the future, rather than the present emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "gloomy mood" in a sentence?

You can use "gloomy mood" to describe the atmosphere or emotional state surrounding a situation. For example, "A "gloomy mood" settled over the office after the layoff announcements."

What's the difference between "gloomy mood" and a "depressed state"?

While both phrases relate to negative emotions, "gloomy mood" often refers to a temporary atmosphere or feeling, whereas a "depressed state" suggests a more prolonged and serious psychological condition.

What are some alternatives to "gloomy mood"?

Alternatives include "somber atmosphere", "downcast spirit", or "melancholy feeling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gloomy mood" in formal writing?

Yes, "gloomy mood" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing negative situations or emotional states in a professional or academic context. Just be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your piece.