adjective

drab

/dræb/ · say it: drab

dull and lacking brightness

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) dull and not interesting or attractive

2. (adjective) dull in color; gray or brown without brightness

Examples

1. The waiting room had drab furniture and no decorations.
2. She painted her bedroom walls a drab shade of gray.

How to use drab

Drab describes something that is visually or emotionally unstimulating, often conveying both lack of color and lack of interest or appeal. It typically carries a mildly negative tone and is used to describe everything from fashion to living conditions to personality traits, suggesting a need for more vibrancy or excitement.

Common phrases

drab appearance
drab color
drab surroundings
drab existence
drab and depressing

Synonyms

dull · bland · dreary · monotonous · uninspiring

Opposites

bright · vibrant · colorful

Word family

drably (adverb) · drabness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use drab when they mean to describe something completely dark or black; drab specifically suggests muted, grayish-brown tones rather than darkness.

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