Feeling heavy, gloomy, or oppressive; describing an atmosphere or mood that is stifling or strained.
部屋の空気が重苦しくて、窓を開けた。
The room felt oppressive, so I opened a window.
彼の弁解は重苦しい雰囲気をさらに強めた。
His explanation only intensified the strained atmosphere.
曇り空で町全体がどこか重苦しい感じだった。
The overcast sky made the whole town feel somewhat gloomy.
会議中の沈黙が長く、空気が重苦しくなった。
The silence in the meeting went on and the atmosphere became oppressive.