glum

Glum is an English adjective used to describe a mood, expression, or atmosphere that is dejected, morose, or gloomily solemn. A glum person may look downcast, unenthusiastic, or unapproving; a glum mood or scene feels dreary and uninviting. The adverb form is glumly, as in "He walked glumly to the car." The noun form glumness is rare but can be used to describe a persistent mood.

The exact origins of glum are uncertain. It is generally believed to derive from the noun gloom or related dialect forms, with the sense of "morose" developing in the 18th or 19th century. The term is common in informal speech and narrative writing and is understood in both British and American English. In more formal writing, alternatives such as morose, gloomy, dour, or melancholy may be preferred.

Usage notes: Glum is most often used to describe expressions, moods, or atmospheres rather than people in a strictly clinical sense. It conveys a subdued, negative affect rather than outright sadness. The word is common in everyday language and literary contexts but less typical in technical or objective writing.

Examples: After the announcement, the team returned to the locker room with glum expressions. The forecast rain cast a glum mood over the town.

See also: gloom, mood, sentiment.