gloomy

[ gloo-mee ]
See synonyms for: gloomygloomilygloominess on Thesaurus.com

adjective,gloom·i·er, gloom·i·est.
  1. dark or dim; deeply shaded: gloomy skies.

  2. causing gloom; dismal or depressing: a gloomy prospect.

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

  2. hopeless or despairing; pessimistic: a gloomy view of the future.

Origin of gloomy

1
First recorded in 1580–90; gloom + -y1

synonym study For gloomy

1. See dark.

Other words for gloomy

Opposites for gloomy

Other words from gloomy

  • 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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use gloomy in a sentence

  • "It's like that out here on the Riviera," said Jane, shaking her head so gloomily that the ruffled cap wobbled.

  • As he stood, gloomily lost in the horror of the moment, another carbine was fired, accompanied by shouts from the soldiers.

  • He nodded gloomily to his companion, and shaking off his hold he set out to cross the yard.

    St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
  • Matt looked gloomily at his watch, then started off with all the speed he could throw into the pedals.

    Motor Matt's "Century" Run | Stanley R. Matthews
  • "Yes, they have burned a great deal of the train," answered Mr. Chittenden, gloomily.

British Dictionary definitions for gloomy

gloomy

/ (ˈɡluːmɪ) /


adjectivegloomier or gloomiest
  1. dark or dismal

  2. causing depression, dejection, or gloom: gloomy news

  1. despairing; sad

Derived forms of gloomy

  • gloomily, adverb
  • gloominess, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012