Word
loom
US/ˈɫum/
UK/lˈuːm/
Definition
v. to appear as a large, dark, or scary shape, especially when you cannot see it clearly. You also use it to describe a problem that feels like it is coming soon.
v. to appear as a vague, often large or threatening shape; to be about to happen in a way that causes worry. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
Examples
“Dark clouds loom over the mountains.”
“The deadline for the final project began to loom as the weekend approached.”
“A massive silhouette began to loom through the thick morning fog, eventually revealing itself to be the hull of a rusted cargo ship.”
Examples
simple
“Dark clouds loom over the mountains.”
contextual
“The deadline for the final project began to loom as the weekend approached.”
complex
“A massive silhouette began to loom through the thick morning fog, eventually revealing itself to be the hull of a rusted cargo ship.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “loom” in context.
Verb
01. loom ahead
“Difficult challenges loom ahead for the new administration as they try to fix the economy.”
verb + adv
02. loom on the horizon
“With the deadline looming on the horizon, the team worked through the night to finish the project.”
verb + prep + noun
03. loom over the city
“The ancient castle ruins loom over the city, visible from almost every street corner.”
verb + prep + noun
Adverb
04. loom large
“The threat of a global recession continues to loom large in the minds of investors.”
verb + adj
05. ominously loom
“Dark storm clouds ominously loomed over the valley, signaling a heavy downpour.”
adv + verb
06. suddenly loom out of the mist
“A massive cargo ship suddenly loomed out of the mist, startling the small boat's crew.”
adv + verb + prep + noun
Usage
Intransitive; often followed by prepositions like 'over', 'above', or 'large'.
Real-World Examples
“The question looms: is their protectiveness stopping him integrating with peers?” “What I have learned by reporting from Ukraine is that when catastrophe hovers overhead rather than looms from a distance, poetry seems more, rather than less, vital.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
01. loom large
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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