sunk in gloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sunk in gloom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of deep sadness or despair, often in a literary or poetic context. Example: "After hearing the tragic news, she felt completely sunk in gloom, unable to find any joy in her surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Even devoted Atlanticists are sunk in gloom.

The Economist

The stockmarket bubble has burst and, despite signs of economic recovery, Wall Street seems to be sunk in gloom.

The Economist

Veteran activists are sunk in gloom ("I've never seen conservatives so downright fed up," says Richard Viguerie, a conservative stalwart).

The Economist

Ralph Fiennes is Jackson, a blind American diplomat, once brilliant and passionately principled, now sunk in gloom, who frequents the city's louche and chaotic clubs.

The Guardian

His father was with him, and now and then made game attempts at conversation, but the boy was sunk in gloom.

The Guardian - Books

He had never seen the streets of Prague so empty, the housefronts sunk in gloom like a row of lanterns with the wicks snuffed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Now they are sunk in excessive gloom.

The Economist

Lunchtime at the Old Ebbitt Grill and John Simmons is sunk in speechless gloom.

The Guardian - Travel

This staging is sunk in the dead-fly gloom of the 1970s and played out on a cavernous stage peopled by the shuffling inmates of Mr Fogg's Private Asylum for the Mentally Deranged.

The Guardian

We were sinking, mired in gloom, isolation, and uncertainty.

The New Yorker

Then it sunk in.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sunk in gloom" to create a strong sense of melancholy or despair, particularly in literary or descriptive contexts. It effectively conveys a feeling of being overwhelmed and trapped by sadness.

Common error

Avoid using "sunk in gloom" in casual conversation, as it can sound overly dramatic or affected. Opt for simpler phrases like "feeling down" or "sad" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sunk in gloom" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of profound sadness or depression. It uses the past participle "sunk" to emphasize the depth and passivity of the experience, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sunk in gloom" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression used to describe a state of deep sadness or despair. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While effective in literary and descriptive contexts, it's less suitable for casual conversation. Related phrases such as "immersed in gloom" or "engulfed in gloom" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral register. While uncommon, its specific use is to vividly describe someone or something that is overwhelmed by sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immersed in gloom

Changes the verb from "sunk" to "immersed", emphasizing the feeling of being completely enveloped by sadness.

engulfed in gloom

Replaces "sunk" with "engulfed", suggesting a more sudden and overwhelming experience of sadness.

lost in gloom

Uses "lost" instead of "sunk", indicating a feeling of being disoriented and consumed by sadness.

plunged into despair

Shifts from "gloom" to "despair" and uses "plunged", highlighting a more intense and sudden descent into negativity.

drenched in sorrow

Employs "drenched" and "sorrow", creating a vivid image of being completely saturated with sadness.

mired in despondency

Replaces "sunk" with "mired" and "gloom" with "despondency", suggesting a state of being stuck and hopeless.

steeped in melancholy

Substitutes "sunk" with "steeped" and "gloom" with "melancholy", conveying a sense of being deeply infused with sadness.

overwhelmed by sadness

Uses a more direct and common expression, focusing on the feeling of being overcome by sadness.

consumed by despair

Indicates a state where despair is the dominant and all-encompassing emotion, replacing the imagery of "sinking".

in the depths of depression

Refers to a clinical state of depression, conveying a more serious and prolonged period of sadness.

FAQs

What does "sunk in gloom" mean?

The phrase "sunk in gloom" describes a state of being deeply sad, depressed, or pessimistic. It suggests being overwhelmed by negative feelings and unable to find joy or hope.

How can I use "sunk in gloom" in a sentence?

You can use "sunk in gloom" to describe a person's emotional state or the atmosphere of a place. For example: "After the loss, he was completely "immersed in gloom"". Or: "The old house was "shrouded in gloom"".

Are there alternative phrases to "sunk in gloom"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "lost in despair", "drenched in sorrow", or "mired in despondency" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sunk in gloom" a formal or informal expression?

"Sunk in gloom" leans towards a more formal or literary style. It's suitable for writing and descriptive contexts but might sound unusual in casual conversation. Simpler phrases are preferred in informal settings.