| Clue | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Least sunny | ||
| Most cheerless (8) | ||
| Maximally exposed, first covering up hole | The Guardian Cryptic | 20 Feb 2024 |
| Dreariest | ||
| Utterly cheerless star defends revelation | The Telegraph Toughie | 01 Sep 2023 |
| 10 about to weep, which is most depressing | ||
| Most desolate | ||
| Least hopeful | ||
| Least hopeful | ||
| Most pessimistic | ||
| Most austere | ||
| Most austere | ||
| Most pessimistic | ||
| Least cheerful |