gloomy situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gloomy situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a circumstance that is bleak, depressing, or unfavorable. Example: "The news of the layoffs created a gloomy situation in the office, leaving everyone feeling uncertain about their future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

For many intellectuals around 1960, this gloomy situation seemed to be all too permanent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rosy picture changed after 2006 when many new factories came online, expanding capacity dramatically.No one has any clue how to fix the gloomy situation.

The Economist

Under a more gloomy situation -- one that assumes 60,000 American troops in overseas operations by 2015, discretionary spending growing at the rate of nominal gross domestic product, the extension of expiring tax cuts and an inflation-indexed alternative minimum tax -- the deficit could reach 9 percent of G.D.P. by 2020, he said.

The New York Times

This rather gloomy situation calls for development action.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

However, new initiatives are desired if aiming to change the gloomy situation since 2006 when the construction waste disposal charging scheme was effectively implemented.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Drugs and alcohol were no good to me because they only made my gloomy situation heart-achingly clearer.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Sebald complains about his battles with his French and Italian translators, about the ever-gloomy situation at East Anglia University, where he teaches, and about the horrible new National Library in Paris.

The New Yorker

"If Nortel isn't immune to a gloomier situation, then that's a bad indicator".

The New York Times

While these hypotheticals were being discussed, Niese was on his way to the Mets' complex in Port St . Lucie Fla., to begin a throwing program — a pleasant surprise in what once seemed a far gloomier situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Sergey Guriyev, a Russian economist, presented perhaps the gloomiest situation: A schism in the Russian elite that could force eventual, possibly sudden, change, in a country still haunted by memories of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and all that followed.

The New York Times

The report also laid out a gloomier situation: If Wall Street firms lost $4.6 billion in the last quarter, it projected that the city would lose a total of 8,700 jobs this year and an additional $500 million in tax revenue over two years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "gloomy situation", provide specific details and examples to illustrate the reasons for the negativity. This enhances the impact and credibility of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "gloomy situation" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the aspects that make the situation gloomy, such as economic downturn, social unrest, or environmental degradation, to offer a more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gloomy situation" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the expression is considered correct and appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gloomy situation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a negative or pessimistic state of affairs. Ludwig confirms its correctness and notes its use across various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, making it suitable for both neutral and slightly formal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide specific details to enhance its impact. Related alternatives include "bleak outlook" and "grim circumstances". While the frequency of this phrase is uncommon, its correct usage can add depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak outlook

Focuses on the future perspective, implying a lack of positive prospects.

grim circumstances

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the conditions.

unfavorable conditions

Highlights the lack of advantageous elements in the existing scenario.

depressing state of affairs

Stresses the disheartening nature of the current circumstances.

dire straits

Indicates a situation of extreme distress and urgency.

difficult predicament

Highlights the challenging and troublesome nature of the situation.

troubled times

Focuses on the period or era characterized by difficulties.

desperate circumstances

Indicates a situation where there is little hope and requires urgent action.

negative environment

Emphasizes the pessimistic and discouraging aspects of the surroundings.

hopeless case

Implies that there is no chance of improvement or positive outcome.

FAQs

What does "gloomy situation" mean?

A "gloomy situation" refers to a state of affairs characterized by pessimism, negativity, and a lack of hope. It suggests that the circumstances are unfavorable and likely to lead to undesirable outcomes.

What are some synonyms for "gloomy situation"?

Some synonyms for "gloomy situation" include "bleak outlook", "grim circumstances", and "difficult predicament". These phrases convey a similar sense of negativity and unfavorable conditions.

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

You can use "gloomy situation" to describe various scenarios. For example: "The economic downturn has created a "gloomy situation" for small businesses." or "Despite the "gloomy situation", the community remains resilient and determined to overcome challenges."

Is "gloomy situation" a formal or informal expression?

"Gloomy situation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "dire straits" or "unfavorable conditions" to convey a more refined tone.