Word
loom
Meanings
To appear as a large, often dark shape that seems threatening or impressive, especially in the distance.
To seem likely to happen soon, especially something unpleasant or worrying.
Definition
To loom means to appear large and threatening or to seem about to happen soon.
When something looms, it seems big, close, and often frightening, especially when seen in the distance or in poor light. It can also mean that a problem or event is approaching and feels unavoidable. In both uses, the idea is of something becoming more noticeable and harder to ignore.
Examples
- A dark storm cloud began to loom over the coastline, turning the afternoon light a dull gray.
- I could feel the deadline loom as my inbox filled with unanswered messages.
- As they reached the valley, jagged peaks loomed above them, making their route seem suddenly fragile.
- With the merger looming, she tried to stay calm and focus on what she could control.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "loom" with "bloom" or use it for positive events, but it usually suggests something threatening or worrying.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.