looming — appearing as a large, indistinct, and often threatening shape; about to happen soon, especially something unpleasant
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: appearing as a large, indistinct, and often threatening shape; about to happen soon, especially something unpleasant
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈluːmɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The exam deadline is looming, and I haven't even opened my textbook yet.
- A looming shadow appeared behind him, but it was just his cat.
- Economists warned of a looming recession next year.
looming
ADJECTIVE[/ˈluːmɪŋ/]
appearing as a large, indistinct, and often threatening shape; about to happen soon, especially something unpleasant
A massive storm cloud is looming over the small fishing village at dusk.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The verb 'loom' derives from Middle English dialectal usage, originally meaning 'to move slowly or threateningly.' The word likely stems from Germanic roots and developed its figurative sense from the image of large objects gradually emerging from fog or darkness, extending to mean 'an impending threat drawing near.'
Breakdown
loom (to appear indistinctly or threateningly) + -ing (present participle and adjectival suffix), forming the present participle or adjective describing something that appears to be emerging or approaching ominously.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The exam deadline is looming, and I haven't even opened my textbook yet.”
“A looming shadow appeared behind him, but it was just his cat.”
“Economists warned of a looming recession next year.”
“The mountain loomed over the small village, dark and silent.”
“With finals looming, students crowded into the library every night.”
📚Related Words
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