Definitions

joyless

[joi-lis] / ˈdʒɔɪ lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

unhappy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bleak dejected depressing dismal downcast dreary miserable

WEAK

black blue cheerless depressant depressed dispirited dispiriting doleful down in the mouth dragged droopy gloomy have the blahs heavy low melancholic melancholy mopey mournful sad saddening somber

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bright cheerful elated encouraging glad happy light pleasant

WEAK

delighted joyful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Stobaeus offers his son a strictly pagan view of the afterlife, as a grim and joyless eternity spent underground.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

MIAMI—Despite arriving with one of the greatest rosters ever assembled, Team USA found a way to make its time at the World Baseball Classic look rather joyless.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Leadership sets the tone, and right now that tone feels tense and joyless.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

Spurs - as a club and fanbase - is currently a joyless place.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

He had a preacher’s voice, hollow and joyless.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

joyless

Example Sentences

Related Words