adjective

glum

/ɡlʌm/ · say it: glum

looking or feeling dejected

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) sad, unhappy, and quiet

2. (adjective) dark and depressing in appearance

Examples

1. He looked glum after hearing the bad news.
2. The glum weather made everyone stay indoors.

How to use glum

Glum describes a quiet, brooding sadness or a dark, dreary atmosphere. It suggests a more subdued and introspective unhappiness than 'sad,' often with an undertone of resignation or quiet disappointment. The word works well for both emotional states and physical appearances or settings.

Common phrases

look glum
feel glum
glum expression
glum mood
glum silence

Synonyms

sad · unhappy · morose · dejected · downcast

Opposites

cheerful · happy · bright

Word family

glumly (adverb) · glumness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse glum with glum-sounding words like 'grim,' but glum emphasizes quiet sadness more than severity or seriousness.

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