What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gloomy
Example
The weather was so gloomy that it made me feel sad. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
She had a gloomy outlook on life and always expected the worst. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
The old abandoned house looked gloomy and unwelcoming. [gloomy: adjective]
dark
Example
It was too dark to see anything in the room. [dark: adjective]
Example
She wore a dark dress to the funeral. [dark: adjective]
Example
I prefer to run in the dark when it's cooler outside. [dark: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dark is a more common word than gloomy and is used in a wider range of contexts. Gloomy is less common and is typically used to describe a negative atmosphere or mood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gloomy and dark?
Both gloomy and dark can be used in formal and informal contexts, but dark is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.