looming
UK: ˈluːmɪŋ | US: ˈlumɪŋ
adj. appearing as a shadowy or threatening form
v. (present participle of "loom") to appear as a large, often threatening shape; to seem imminent
The word "looming" originates from the verb "loom," which entered Middle English as "lomen" (to move slowly or heavily). It likely derives from Old English "gelōma" (tool or utensil), but its sense shifted to "appear dimly or threateningly" in the 16th century, influenced by the image of a shadowy figure or object emerging indistinctly. The "-ing" suffix marks its present participle form, used for continuous action or adjectival description.
Dark clouds were looming on the horizon before the storm.
The threat of layoffs has been looming over the company for months.
A tall figure loomed out of the fog, startling the hikers.
The deadline is looming, and we still have much work to do.
She felt a sense of looming dread as the exam date approached.