gloomy

[gloo-mee]

adjective

gloomier, gloomiest 

1. dark or dim; deeply shaded.

   gloomy skies.

   Synonyms: threatening, lowering, dusky, shadowy, obscure

2. causing gloom; dismal or depressing.

   a gloomy prospect.

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

   Synonyms: dispirited, glum, depressed, despondent, downhearted, downcast
   Antonyms: happy

4. hopeless or despairing; pessimistic.

   a gloomy view of the future.

gloomy

/ ˈɡluːmɪ /

adjective

1. dark or dismal

2. causing depression, dejection, or gloom

   gloomy news

3. despairing; sad

Other Word Forms

• gloomily adverb
• gloominess noun
• overgloomily adverb
• overgloominess noun
• overgloomy adjective
• ungloomily adverb
• ungloomy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloomy¹

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

Synonym Study

See dark ( def. ).

Example Sentences

US home sales have been gloomy in recent years with high mortgage rates and limited inventory pushing costs up for buyers.

Read more on Barron's

However, it would also mean some very gloomy winter mornings, especially in Scotland.

Read more on BBC

But the index remains near historical lows, a gloomy sign given that household spending makes up more than two-thirds of the U.S. economy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Once derided by Italians as functional but gloomy, Milan has morphed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Concerns around unemployment drove the gloomier mood among Germans.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• depressed 
• dismal 
• dour 
• forlorn 
• glum 
• melancholy 
• miserable 
• pessimistic 
• sad 
• solemn 
• sullen 
• ugly