gloom

Gloom is a term with two main senses: a physical condition of dim or obscured light, and a mood marked by sadness, despondency, or a lack of hope. In its environmental sense, gloom describes a setting in which natural light is scarce, such as overcast weather, heavy fog, or shaded interiors, often contributing to a subdued or somber atmosphere. In its emotional sense, gloom denotes a temporary state of low spirits or pessimism, which may arise from fatigue, stress, or difficult circumstances. The term can apply to individuals or groups when mood or mood-related behavior becomes pronounced, though it does not by itself indicate a clinical disorder.

In psychology and everyday language, gloom is distinguished from clinical depression by its usually transient and situational character, whereas depression is a diagnosable condition with a broader range of symptoms and duration. Environmental gloom can influence mood and decision-making, and urban designers sometimes counteract it through lighting, color schemes, and transparency to create a sense of openness.

Gloom has a long-standing presence in literature, art, and music as a motif that signals melancholy, foreboding, or moral ambiguity. In Gothic fiction and noir cinema, gloomy settings reinforce themes of danger and decay. The term remains common in descriptions of weather, spaces, and emotional states, and is often used metaphorically to express discouragement or a lack of vitality.