adjective

glum

GLUM/ɡlʌm/

Sad and quietly discouraged.

The glum man sits alone with slumped shoulders and downcast eyes.

A middle-aged Black man sits alone on a simple bench, shoulders slumped and hands resting loosely in his lap, looking down with a quietly sad, discouraged expression.

Etymology

glumMiddle Englishbecome dark; look sullen

Middle English gloumen links becoming dark with looking sullen, an image suited to a downcast mood. Low German glum, meaning “gloomy” or “troubled,” is an alternative source or possible influence.

In context

Journal - History Documentaries10:55

but it was a slightly glum affair. War was on the horizon and young men between the ages of 20 and 22 were being recruited by the government to boost army numbers.

What Living In Britain Was Like During WW2 | FULL DOCUMENTARY

More examples

Rain cancels our picnic, and the children grow glum.
She gives a glum nod and puts the rejection letter away.
I feel even glummer after hearing the final score.

Forms

glum · glummer · glummest

glumly adverb — In a sad, quietly discouraged way.

glumness noun — A state of sadness and quiet discouragement.

Similar words

dejected: Emphasizes low spirits after a disappointment or setback.
gloomy: Suggests a darker mood, often with little hope.
downcast: Often suggests sadness visible in lowered eyes or posture.