Meaning & Definition of word "Bleak"

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.