ENGLISH
REFERENCE

looming

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɫumɪŋ// UK //lˈuːmɪŋ// loom·ing

adj. describing something that feels like it is about to happen soon, especially something worrying or unpleasant. It can also describe something large and dark that you see in the distance.

adj. appearing as a large, often indistinct or threatening shape; or, of an event, appearing imminent and likely to cause concern. Frequently used in participial form to describe impending deadlines, crises, or physical structures.


SIMPLE

The deadline is looming and I need to finish my work.

CONTEXTUAL

With the deadline looming, the team worked through the weekend to finalize the proposal.

COMPLEX

The looming mountains cast long shadows over the valley, creating an atmosphere of isolation that the travelers found increasingly unsettling as night fell.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem', or attributively before nouns like 'deadline' or 'crisis'.

© 2026 English Reference