Meaning & Definition
adjective
Lacking in warmth, life, or kindliness; dreary.
The landscape was bleak in the winter, with bare trees and gray skies.
Cold and piercing; raw.
We decided to stay indoors because the weather outside was bleak and unforgiving.
Without hope or encouragement; depressing.
His future looked bleak after the layoffs at his company.
Barren, empty, or without vegetation.
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.
Slang Meanings
Life is tough; there's no way around it.
After losing his job, he had a pretty bleak outlook on things.
Absence of good vibes or positivity.
The party was so bleak; no one was dancing.