Dismal

/ˈdɪz.məl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Causing a mood of gloom or dejection; dreary.

The weather was dismal for the picnic, with dark clouds and heavy rain.

Showing a lack of skill, quality, or effectiveness; very bad.

Her performance in the play was dismal, leading to a lack of applause from the audience.

Depressing or bleak.

The dismal state of the economy worried many citizens about their future.

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

dismal failure:

A complete, utter failure.

dismal weather:

Weather conditions that are unpleasant and depressing.

Very poor quality or performance.

That movie was dismal, I couldn't even finish it.

Extremely disappointing.

The concert turned out to be dismal, not what I expected at all.