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

But from the snapshots we see, these encounters seem mostly humiliating and joyless.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2024

He thinks she’s depressing and joyless, killing characters suddenly just when you’re getting to know them.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali