WordGarden.iocheerless
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈiələs/
US
Meanings
Adjective
sad, gloomy, or lacking happiness
bleak, dreary, or lacking warmth and comfort
Beyond the definition
A cheerless place isn't filled with joy or hope—think of a gray, rainy day in an abandoned town. It suggests a lack of warmth, brightness, and happiness. A cheerless person might be constantly sad or pessimistic, bringing down the spirits of those around them. You wouldn't describe a bustling carnival as cheerless, but you might describe a lonely attic room that way.
The word hints at something more than just sadness; it implies an absence of anything positive to lift your spirits. A cheerless outlook can make even good things seem bleak. Think of Ebenezer Scrooge before his transformation—a truly cheerless character! It's often used to describe atmospheres or people, but can also apply to events: "a cheerless prospect" means a discouraging future.
"Cheerless" describes something lacking in joy, brightness, or hope; it evokes a sense of gloom and despondency. It's more than just being sad—it suggests an absence of anything that could make you cheerful. For example: "The old house stood on a cheerless hill overlooking the gray sea," paints a picture of isolation and bleakness.
You'll often encounter "cheerless" when describing places or atmospheres, like a "cheerless room" or a "cheerless winter landscape." It suggests a lack of warmth, color, or inviting qualities. But it can also describe people: "He was a cheerless man who rarely smiled." This implies someone habitually pessimistic and lacking in enthusiasm.
The word carries a weight beyond simple unhappiness. A "cheerless task" isn't just unpleasant; it feels pointless and draining. A "cheerless future" suggests little to look forward to. It's often used to emphasize the severity of a negative situation or emotional state.
Unlike words like "sad," which describe a specific emotion, "cheerless" focuses on the lack of positive feeling. It's about what isn't there—the missing spark of joy, hope, or warmth. So when something is cheerless, it doesn't just make you feel down; it actively suppresses any possibility of happiness.
Examples
- 1
Accommodation
We spent the night in a small, cheerless room above the station.
- 2
Winter town
The town looks cheerless in winter, when the shops close early and the streets are empty.
- 3
Tone of voice
She answered in a flat, cheerless voice.
- 4
Forced smile
He gave a cheerless smile and said he was fine.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Lonely holiday
Without friends or family around, the holiday felt strangely cheerless.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- cheerlessadjective