Meaning & Definition of word "Dismal"
to
Dismal
/ˈdɪz.məl/
adjective:
- 1. Causing a mood of gloom or dejection; dreary.
- Example: The weather was dismal for the picnic, with dark clouds and heavy rain.
- 2. Showing a lack of skill, quality, or effectiveness; very bad.
- Example: Her performance in the play was dismal, leading to a lack of applause from the audience.
- 3. Depressing or bleak.
- Example: The dismal state of the economy worried many citizens about their future.
Etymology
From Middle English dismal, from Latin 'dies mali', meaning 'bad days'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
dismal failure:
A complete, utter failure.
dismal weather:
Weather conditions that are unpleasant and depressing.
Related Words
dismally:
In a dismal manner; in a way that is gloomy or dreary.
dismay:
Concern and distress caused by something unexpected.
Slang Meanings of dismal
Meaning: Very poor quality or performance.
Example Sentence: That movie was dismal, I couldn't even finish it.
Meaning: Extremely disappointing.
Example Sentence: The concert turned out to be dismal, not what I expected at all.