looking gloomy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking gloomy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears sad, dark, or uninviting, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The sky was looking gloomy, hinting at the storm that was about to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

John Hunter, a Trimble aide, emerged from Castle Buildings looking gloomy.

The Guardian

Anderson gets off the mark; Mishra appeals, not out, but looking gloomy.

The Guardian - Sport

He found the Heavenly Guesthouse near the central glittering Sayyed Mir Ahmad shrine but came out looking gloomy.

The Guardian - Travel

At the theatre — Sam, looking gloomy before the show, goes to the bar and sneaks a beer under his shirt.

The New Yorker

He got put out early in the tournament, and hung around the clubhouse the next day, looking gloomy.

The New Yorker

After years of big increases in tuition fees, universities are facing resistance from the customers, and financial prospects for the sector are looking gloomy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This would mean the chancellor undershooting his growth forecast, both this year and next, by about half a percentage point.There are two main reasons why economic prospects are looking gloomier.

The Economist

He looks gloomy.

The Guardian

He looked gloomy as he recalled this.

The New York Times - Magazine

It looked gloomy for Australia.

The Guardian - Sport

The rest of the week looks gloomy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking gloomy" to describe a temporary state or immediate appearance of someone or something. For more permanent or intrinsic qualities, consider alternatives like "pessimistic" or "melancholy".

Common error

Avoid using "looking gloomy" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated and precise vocabulary to convey the intended meaning, such as "appearing somber" or "seeming despondent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking gloomy" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying nouns like "athlete", "prospects", or referring to the appearance of a person or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking gloomy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a sad, pessimistic, or unfavorable appearance. Ludwig AI shows that it's most frequently found in News & Media sources and used to depict a temporary state of dejection. While acceptable in most contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "appearing somber" or "seeming despondent" in academic or highly professional settings. Avoid overusing it and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking glum

Suggests a sullen or silently resentful mood.

looking crestfallen

Describes a visible disappointment or discouragement.

appearing downcast

Implies a general sense of sadness or unhappiness.

appearing dejected

Focuses more on the outward appearance of sadness or low spirits.

appearing somber

Indicates a serious or grave demeanor, often in response to a specific event.

seeming melancholy

Implies a more profound and prolonged state of sadness.

seeming disheartened

Indicates a loss of enthusiasm or motivation.

seeming despondent

Suggests a loss of hope or courage.

appearing forlorn

Conveys a sense of being lonely and abandoned.

seeming pessimistic

Reflects a negative outlook on the future or current situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking gloomy" to describe the appearance of a person, place, or situation. For example, "He was "looking gloomy" after the news" or "The sky was "looking gloomy" before the storm."

What words have a similar meaning to "looking gloomy"?

Alternatives to "looking gloomy" include "appearing dejected", "seeming melancholy", or "appearing somber" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "looking gloomy" in writing?

"Looking gloomy" is suitable for informal and neutral contexts. In more formal or academic writing, consider alternatives that offer greater precision and sophistication, such as "seeming despondent" or "appearing downcast".

What's the difference between "looking gloomy" and "feeling gloomy"?

"Looking gloomy" describes an outward appearance or visual impression, while "feeling gloomy" describes an internal emotional state. One can be "looking gloomy" without "feeling gloomy", and vice versa.