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adjective, \ˈglü-mē\

Simple Definition of gloomy

  • : somewhat dark : not bright or sunny

  • : causing feelings of sadness : not hopeful or promising

  • : sad or depressed

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of gloomy


  1. 1 a :  partially or totally dark; especially :  dismally and depressingly dark <gloomy weather> b :  having a frowning or scowling appearance :  forbidding <a gloomy countenance> c :  low in spirits :  melancholy

  2. 2 a :  causing gloom :  depressing <a gloomy story> <a gloomy landscape> b :  lacking in promise or hopefulness :  pessimistic <gloomy prophecies> <a gloomy future>

gloomily play \-mə-lē\ adverb
gloominess play \-mē-nəs\ noun

Examples of gloomy in a sentence

  1. We've had a week of gloomy weather.

  2. The news continues to be gloomy.

  3. She doesn't agree with their gloomy economic forecasts.

  4. His book paints a gloomy picture of the prospects for peace.

  5. I've never seen you looking so gloomy.


First Known Use of gloomy


Synonym Discussion of gloomy

dismal, dreary, bleak, gloomy, cheerless, desolate mean devoid of cheer or comfort. dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess <dismal weather>. dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility <a dreary job>. bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten <the bleak years of the depression>. gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise <gloomy war news>. cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering <a drab and cheerless office>. desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect <a desolate outpost>.


Rhymes with gloomy

GLOOMY Defined for Kids


adjective \ˈglü-mē\

Definition of gloomy for Students


  1. 1 :  partly or completely dark

  2. 2 :  sad 1, blue

  3. 3 :  causing feelings of sadness <a gloomy story>

  4. 4 :  not hopeful or promising <The future looks gloomy.>

gloomily \-mə-lē\ adverb

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up gloomy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


to manage or play awkwardly

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