gloom

[ gloom ]

noun

1. total or partial darkness; dimness.

   Synonyms: obscurity, shadow, shade

   Antonyms: brightness

2. a state of melancholy or depression; low spirits.

   Synonyms: sadness, despondency, dejection

   Antonyms: cheerful

3. a despondent or depressed look or expression.

verb (used without object)

1. to appear or become dark, dim, or somber.
2. to look sad, dismal, or dejected; frown.

verb (used with object)

1. to fill with gloom; make gloomy or sad; sadden.
2. to make dark or somber.

gloom

/ ɡluːm /

noun

1. partial or total darkness
2. a state of depression or melancholy
3. an appearance or expression of despondency or melancholy
4. poetic.
   a dim or dark place

verb

1. intr to look sullen or depressed
2. to make or become dark or gloomy

Derived Forms

• ˈgloomfully, adverb
• ˈgloomful, adjective
• ˈgloomless, adjective

Other Words From

• gloomful adjective
• gloomful·ly adverb
• gloomless adjective
• outgloom verb (used with object)
• under·gloom noun
• un·gloom verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloom¹

1300–50; Middle English gloumben, glomen to frown, perhaps representing Old English *glūmian (akin to early German gläumen to make turbid); glum

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloom¹

C14 gloumben to look sullen; related to Norwegian dialect glome to eye suspiciously

Example Sentences

As a reminder to negotiators of the urgency of the situation there was fresh scientific gloom.

From BBC

It is also likely that we will see some sunshine this week, after the lack of sunshine so far in November under the anticyclonic gloom.

From BBC

Anticyclonic gloom has settled on the UK recently bringing extensive cloud.

From BBC

In autumn and winter, while sunny, clearer days are possible, high pressure can also result in "anticyclonic gloom".

From BBC

Amid the gloom, however, are glimmers of hope.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anguish
• bitterness
• despair
• discouragement
• doldrums
• foreboding
• grief
• horror
• malaise
• misery
• pessimism
• sadness
• sorrow
• weariness
• woe