Meaning & Definition of Dismal in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Depressing, dreary.

  Example Sentence: The weather was dismal, with constant rain and overcast skies.

• Definition: Showing a lack of skill or success.

  Example Sentence: Her performance in the play was dismal, lacking energy and enthusiasm.

• Definition: Gloomy or miserable.

  Example Sentence: He felt dismal after hearing the bad news.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English dismal, from Latin 'dies mali', meaning 'bad days'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• dismal failure: A complete, utter failure.
• dismal weather: Weather conditions that are unpleasant and depressing.

Translations

• Spanish: sombrío

• French: sombre

• German: trostlos

• Russian: мрачный

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.