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Synonyms

gloomy

American  
[gloo-mee] / ˈglu mi /

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 British  
/ ˈɡluːmɪ /

adjective

  1. dark or dismal

  2. causing depression, dejection, or gloom

    gloomy news

  3. despairing; sad

"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

Related Words

See dark ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of gloomy

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

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.

Zhang said the animal's gloomy expression was resonating with young workers in China.

From BBC

It’s a gray, gloomy day, and Rita is bored, bored, bored.

From The Wall Street Journal

The gloomy narrative sits uneasily alongside Japan’s recent string of good news.

From The Wall Street Journal

Union leaders, currently in contract talks, challenge the gloomy outlook and are calling for total compensation that would be more expensive than what is being offered.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the gloomier short-term outlook, Halliburton appeared bullish on the Venezuela opportunity.

From The Wall Street Journal