Gloominess: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a temporary state of feeling down or feeling that vibes or atmosphere are dark and troubling. It can refer to both emotional states and physical environments.

• There was a gloominess in the room after the bad news.
• He couldn't shake off the gloominess that hung over him all weekend.

Describes a deep, reflective sadness, often tied to a specific memory or thought. It is usually more poetic or literary.

• Looking through old photos filled her with a sense of melancholy.
• He felt a melancholy longing for the days of his youth.

A general term for the feeling of being unhappy or sorrowful. It can be short-term or long-term and is less intense compared to depression.

• She felt a wave of sadness when she heard about the accident.
• His departure left a sadness that wouldn't go away.

Refers to a more serious, often clinically diagnosed mental health condition that involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities.

• She was diagnosed with depression and is now seeing a therapist.
• After losing his job, he slipped into a deep depression.

Gloominess is typically used to describe a general sense of sadness or dullness in an environment or mood. It can apply to both physical settings (like weather) and emotional states.

• The gloominess of the dark, rainy day made everyone feel a bit down.
• She couldn't shake off the gloominess that had settled in after the bad news.

Despair is a deep, extreme lack of hope and is used in situations where someone feels that there is no way out of a difficult situation. It often suggests severe emotional pain.

• He was in utter despair after losing his job and his home.
• In her despair, she felt that nothing could make her life better again.

Hopelessness refers to the feeling that there's no possibility for improvement or a positive outcome. It is often used in contexts where someone is overwhelmed by the absence of possibilities or solutions.

• The situation seemed hopeless, leaving everyone feeling stuck and despondent.
• After the diagnosis, he was filled with hopelessness and saw no future for himself.

Pessimism is a general tendency to expect the worst or believe that bad things are more likely to happen. It usually describes an outlook or attitude rather than a temporary state.

• Her constant pessimism made it hard for her friends to stay positive around her.
• Pessimism spread through the team as they faced repeated setbacks.