Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

dark cloud

American  
[dahrk klaud] / ˈdɑrk ˈklaʊd /

noun

plural

dark clouds
  1. Astronomy. dark nebula.

  2. something that generates gloom, distrust, or some other oppressive feeling or condition related to a person, thing, or event.


dark cloud Scientific  
/ därk /

Other Word Forms

  • dark-cloud adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then a bearish dark cloud cover on Dec. 19 started a cup with handle base.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

While the store’s events are often bursting with energy, those moments are still tainted by an “underlying fear that is kind of like a dark cloud among our community,” Lima said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

A jury heard Baird, who worked at an opticians, left a note to her family which said a "dark cloud" was over her.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

For one thing, it removes a dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over the economy that has been especially damaging to small businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

But just because you get distracted by the silver lining for a little while, that doesn’t mean there’s not still a huge dark cloud behind it.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick