What does gloomier mean?
Gloomier is the comparative form of the adjective gloomy, and it means more gloomy: darker, sadder, more dismal, or more foreboding. It is most often used when a situation, mood, prospect, or atmosphere is being compared with something already described as gloomy. For example, a forecast can promise a gloomier outlook, while a person may return in a gloomier mood. The word is standard in British and American English and has a mildly literary or formal tone, although it remains fully understandable in ordinary conversation. Its negative associations make it useful for describing not only literal dimness but also difficult prospects and emotional bleakness. Gloomier can also serve as the third-person singular present of the verb gloom, meaning that something becomes or appears dark or threatening, but this use is much less common than the adjective. Overall, gloomier is a useful comparative when the degree of bleakness is the important point.
Comparative of gloomy; more dark, sad, dismal, or foreboding.
"The company issued a gloomier forecast for the coming year."
This is the usual and dominant use of gloomier.
Third-person singular present of gloom; becomes or appears dark, threatening, or gloomy.
"The horizon gloomiers as the squall approaches."
This use is relatively uncommon and is more often encountered in literary writing.
Gloomier contains a hidden superlative: gloomier can always become gloomiest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gloomier come from?
Gloomier is formed by adding the comparative suffix -ier to gloomy. Gloomy was developed from gloom, an English word recorded since the Middle English period, within a wider Germanic word family that also includes glum. Gloomsome and glooming are other English formations based on the same root.
Related word forms
How gloomier is actually used
The adjective is standard in formal and informal British and American English, with a mildly literary tone. The verb form is uncommon and is chiefly literary.
Easily confused with gloomier
Gloomy describes a state or condition, whereas gloomier is the comparative form and means more gloomy than something else.