What does glum mean?
Glum describes someone or something that appears noticeably unhappy, sullen, or downcast. The word is often applied to a person's face, expression, manner, or tone, suggesting a mood that is outwardly evident rather than merely private. It can indicate straightforward sadness, but it also carries the implication of being dour, dissatisfied, or unwilling to be cheered. Glum is common in British and American English and can sound more literary or expressive than the general word sad, though it remains standard in everyday speech. Its usefulness lies in its ability to convey both emotional state and outward manner: a glum expression describes sadness visible to others, while a glum response may suggest discouragement or sulkiness. The related contrast with gloom is useful to remember: glum generally characterizes a person or manner, whereas gloom more often describes an atmosphere, mood, or period of darkness.
adjectiveDarkly unhappy or sullen, especially in a way that is outwardly visible.
- Looking or seeming darkly unhappy, sullen, or downcast.
"He gave a glum reply and stared out of the window."
"The match ended in disappointment, and both players left the pitch looking glum."
"Her glum tone suggested that she had already decided the proposal was a mistake."
Glum suggests not merely feeling low, but wearing that mood like a coat everyone can see.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glum come from?
The English adjective was recorded in the late 16th century. Its exact derivation is uncertain, but it is generally associated with the older English family represented by gloom, which has roots in an Old English term for darkness or twilight. The related forms gloomy and gloomier preserve that older root, while closely related Scandinavian languages also use cognate words for a sad or gloomy condition.
Related word forms
How glum is actually used
Glum is standard in everyday English and often has a somewhat literary tone. It conveys a conspicuous, outwardly visible mood of unhappiness or sulkiness and may suggest dissatisfaction or gloom.
Easily confused with glum
Glum describes a visibly sad or sullen person, expression, or manner, whereas gloom more often names an atmosphere, mood, or condition of darkness.