What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cloudy
Example
It's going to be cloudy today, so don't forget your umbrella. [cloudy: adjective]
Example
The future of the project is still cloudy, and we need more information to make a decision. [cloudy: adjective]
gloomy
Example
The sky was gloomy, and it started to rain heavily. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
She had a gloomy outlook on life after experiencing a series of setbacks. [gloomy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cloudy is more commonly used than gloomy in everyday language, especially when talking about the weather. Gloomy is more specific and tends to be used more in contexts related to emotions or moods.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cloudy and gloomy?
Both cloudy and gloomy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cloudy is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, making it slightly more formal than gloomy.