ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gloomy

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɫumi// UK //ɡlˈuːmi// gloomy Informal

adj. dark and dim in a way that feels sad. You can use it to describe a room with little light or a person who feels hopeless.

adj. characterised by darkness, dimness, or a lack of light; figuratively describes a state of depression or pessimism. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'look' or 'feel'.


SIMPLE

The weather is gloomy and grey today.

CONTEXTUAL

The old library felt gloomy because the heavy curtains blocked out most of the afternoon sun.

COMPLEX

Despite the positive economic data, the CEO remained gloomy about the company's long-term prospects in such a volatile market.

Synonyms
Origin

From gloom + -y. Cognate with Saterland Frisian glumig (“dark, gloomy”).

Usage

Often follows linking verbs like 'look', 'seem', or 'feel'. Can describe both physical environments and emotional states.

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