Meaning & Definition of word "Bleak"

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    Bleak

    /bliːk/

    adjective:

    • 1. Lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness; dreary.
      • Example: The landscape was bleak in the winter, with bare trees and gray skies.
    • 2. Cold and piercing; raw.
      • Example: We decided to stay indoors because the weather outside was bleak and unforgiving.
    • 3. Without hope or encouragement; depressing.
      • Example: His future looked bleak after the layoffs at his company.
    • 4. Barren, empty, or without vegetation.
      • Example: The bleak desert stretched for miles with little sign of life.

    Etymology

    Old Norse 'blákr', meaning 'pale, colorless'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    bleak outlook:

    A lack of hope for the future.

    bleak winter:

    A particularly harsh or unpleasant winter season.

    bleakness of life:

    The feeling of life being depressing or hopeless.

    Related Words

    despair:

    A complete loss of hope.

    gloom:

    A state of partial darkness; a feeling of sadness.

    desolation:

    A state of complete emptiness or destruction.

    Slang Meanings of bleak

    Meaning: Life is tough; there's no way around it.

    Example Sentence: After losing his job, he had a pretty bleak outlook on things.

    Meaning: Absence of good vibes or positivity.

    Example Sentence: The party was so bleak; no one was dancing.