gloomy

[ gloo-mee ]

adjective

, gloom·i·er, gloom·i·est.

1. dark or dim; deeply shaded:

   gloomy skies.

   Synonyms: threatening, lowering, dusky, shadowy, obscure

2. causing gloom; dismal or depressing:

   a gloomy prospect.

3. filled with or showing gloom; sad, dejected, or melancholy.

   Synonyms: dispirited, glum, depressed, despondent, downhearted, downcast

   Antonyms: happy

4. hopeless or despairing; pessimistic:

   a gloomy view of the future.

gloomy

/ ˈɡluːmɪ /

adjective

1. dark or dismal
2. causing depression, dejection, or gloom

   gloomy news

3. despairing; sad

Derived Forms

• ˈgloomily, adverb
• ˈgloominess, noun

Other Words From

• gloomi·ly adverb
• gloomi·ness noun
• over·gloomi·ly adverb
• over·gloomi·ness noun
• over·gloomy adjective
• un·gloomi·ly adverb
• un·gloomy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloomy¹

First recorded in 1580–90; gloom + -y ¹

Synonym Study

See dark ( def ).

Example Sentences

While news about the climate is often gloomy, there are still many harms that can be prevented if humanity strives for sustainability.

From Science Daily

Here again the media collaborated, consistently painted a gloomy picture for Biden.

From Salon

But Weinberg’s 1985 barely known gloomy opera is also a profound demonstration of how and why misplaced power can destroy society.

From Los Angeles Times

We’ve learned that Gen Z men are feeling gloomy about the future.

From Los Angeles Times

"I think that we've been very gloomy. We're not the gloomy party. We are actually quite an optimistic and fun party and I want to bring that out."

From BBC

Related Words

• depressed
• dismal
• dour
• forlorn
• glum
• melancholy
• miserable
• pessimistic
• sad
• solemn
• sullen
• ugly