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looming

noun

/ˈlu mɪŋ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of looming

A state or act of appearing as a threatening or ominous presence, often accompanied by a sense of imminent danger or impending trouble.
"The storm clouds were looming on the horizon, signaling an approaching tempest."

Detailed meaning of looming

It describes a situation or object that casts a shadow or hangs over someone or something, creating a sense of anxiety, uncertainty, or unease. The term "looming" is often used metaphorically to depict a forthcoming event or circumstance that is perceived as menacing, overwhelming, or significant in its impact. It evokes a sense of foreboding and can be associated with impending challenges, deadlines, or difficult decisions. The feeling of something looming can create a heightened state of anticipation and can influence the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals, as they grapple with the uncertainty and potential consequences of what lies ahead.

Example sentences containing looming

1. The deadline for the project was looming, causing stress among the team members.
2. The financial crisis had a looming effect on the stock market, causing investors to panic.
3. As the final exam approached, a sense of looming dread filled the students' minds.
4. The threat of layoffs was looming over the employees, creating a tense work environment.
5. The looming presence of the towering mountain range inspired a mix of awe and trepidation.
6. The dark figure standing at the end of the hallway sent a sense of looming terror through her.

History and etymology of looming

The noun 'looming' draws its etymological roots from the Middle English word 'lumen,' which means 'to shine' or 'to appear dimly.' This Middle English term itself has connections to the Old English word 'lēoma,' signifying 'light' or 'radiance.' Over time, 'looming' underwent a semantic shift, moving from the notion of something shining or appearing dimly to its modern usage, where it denotes the foreboding or threatening presence of something, often accompanied by a sense of imminent danger or trouble. This transformation in meaning reflects how, much like an approaching storm cloud that obscures the light, 'looming' conveys the sense of an ominous and impending event or situation that casts a shadow over one's expectations or sense of security.

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Further usage examples of looming

1. The looming decision weighed heavily on his mind, leaving him sleepless at night.
2. The prospect of an impending recession had a looming impact on consumer spending.
3. The specter of war loomed large, casting a shadow over diplomatic negotiations.
4. The unfinished tasks were a constant reminder of the looming workload.
5. The possibility of a natural disaster loomed in the wake of the earthquake aftershocks.
6. The company's impending reorganization created a sense of looming uncertainty among the employees.
7. The shadows from the tall buildings made the city streets feel like a place of looming danger.
8. The looming court case was a source of anxiety for the accused, unsure of the outcome.
9. The dark clouds on the horizon signaled a looming storm.
10. The deadline for the project is fast approaching, and a sense of looming pressure hangs in the air.
11. He couldn't shake the feeling of looming danger in the abandoned house.
12. The shadowy figure in the alley had a looming presence.
13. Economic uncertainty cast a looming shadow over the stock market.
14. The pending decision had a looming impact on their future.
15. The ominous castle on the hill had a looming, foreboding quality.
16. The investigation uncovered a looming threat to national security.
17. The mountain's towering peak had a looming and majestic presence.
18. His health issues created a looming concern for his loved ones.
19. The unresolved conflict created a sense of looming chaos in the office.
20. The pandemic's effects were a looming concern for public health.
21. The political unrest left a sense of looming instability in the region.
22. The impending exam had a looming, stressful influence on students.
23. The dark forest had an eerie, looming quality after sunset.
24. The uncertainty of the future cast a looming cloud over their plans.
25. The ominous warnings in the news painted a picture of looming disaster.
26. The mountain's treacherous terrain posed a looming challenge for climbers.
27. The looming deadline made the task even more daunting.
28. The looming threat of a cyberattack prompted increased security measures.