gloomy

Gloomy is an adjective used to describe conditions, moods, or environments that are dark, bleak, or dominated by pessimism. It can refer to physical dimness as well as to a lack of hope or brightness in a situation.

The term conveys a sense of sustained, oppressive sadness or pessimism rather than a fleeting mood. It is commonly applied to weather, rooms or settings, attitudes, and forecasts, signaling a somber or discouraging tone.

Etymology-wise, gloomy derives from the noun gloom, referring to dimness or a somber atmosphere, with the suffix -y forming the adjective. The related forms include gloominess (noun), gloomily (adverb), gloomier (comparative), and gloomiest (superlative).

In usage, gloomy often overlaps with synonyms such as bleak, dreary, somber, and melancholy, but it can carry a stronger sense of impending discouragement. In color and design language, a gloomy palette favors muted tones, grays, and low contrast to emphasize a somber mood.

Gloomy settings are frequently found in literature and film to signal tension, tragedy, or moral ambiguity, and the term is also used in everyday language to describe unfavorable prospects or moods. See also: dreary, bleak, somber, melancholic.