Gloom

/ɡluːm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a state of partial or total darkness; a shadowy or dim light.

The room was filled with gloom after the lights were turned off.

a feeling of sadness or despair.

He was lost in a gloom that he couldn't shake off.

a mood or atmosphere of melancholy or despondency.

There was a gloom hanging over the town after the tragic event.

verb

to make gloomy or to cast a shadow.

The heavy clouds gloomed the sky, threatening rain.

Middle English, from Old Norse 'glomr', meaning 'twilight, gloom'.

gloom and doom

A pessimistic outlook on future events or situations.

gloomy day

A day characterized by overcast sky and a lack of sunlight.

gloomy

Having a somber or melancholic atmosphere.

gloominess

The quality of being gloomy or dark.

In a bad mood or feeling down.

He's been in a gloom lately, not wanting to hang out.

A sense of impending trouble or bad news.

There's a gloom around the office since the layoffs were announced.