rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygloomySad or pessimistic
adjective

gloomy

GLOO-mee/ˈɡluːmi/

Darkened by a lack of light.

Gloomy light from the rain-streaked window falls on the seated man.

An older Latino man sits slumped beside a rain-streaked window, gazing downward with a discouraged expression.
Etymology
gloomEnglishsullen look; darkness
+yEnglishcharacterized by

Gloomy probably comes from gloom, originally a “sullen look,” with an adjective ending. The connection brings darkness and human mood together: gloomy surroundings or prospects feel as cheerless as a sullen expression.

In context

Gussy Design1:21
what once was a dark and gloomy gym is now a bright and cozy space
Gussied-Up Spaces: Amari’s Nursery with Billy & Coleen

More examples

  • A single bare bulb lights the gloomy basement.
  • The hallway grows gloomier as the sun sets.
  • Even at noon, the dense forest looks gloomy.

Forms

gloomy · gloomier · gloomiest

gloom noun — Darkness caused by a lack of light.

Similar words

dim
Dim emphasizes weak light rather than an overall dark atmosphere.
dark
Dark suggests little or no light, without necessarily feeling dreary.
shadowy
Shadowy emphasizes areas of shade rather than generally weak lighting.