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.

The column contends this response reinforced perceptions that he is a joyless bureaucrat, not a person voters can relate to or trust with state leadership.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 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

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

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Something very sinister happens to the people of a country when they begin to distrust their own reactions as deeply as they do here, and become as joyless as they have become.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

joyless

Example Sentences

Related Words