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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.

Shrinking perks and growing fears about AI are turning offices into joyless places.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

When I say “budget better,” I don’t mean becoming stricter or joyless about food.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

Zalaegerszeg in western Hungary does not get to join the hall of infamy, not after Scotland won a fairly joyless, but wholly professional, behind-closed-doors contest against Belarus.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

It was a daring, impulsive move on which the chaplain decided after quarreling with Corporal Whitcomb again and washing down with tepid canteen water his joyless lunch of a Milky Way and Baby Ruth.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller