Meaning & Definition of word "Dreary"

Dreary

/ˈdrɪəri/

adjective:

  • 1. dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing or causing sadness.
    • Example: The weather was dreary, with gray clouds hanging low in the sky.
  • 2. lacking in cheer, comfort, or joy.
    • Example: He found the constant monotony of his job to be quite dreary.
  • 3. causing a feeling of gloom or despondency.
    • Example: The dreary scenery made the long drive seem even more tedious.
  • 4. characterized by a lack of interest or excitement.
    • Example: The film was so dreary that I fell asleep before it was halfway over.

Etymology

Middle English drearie, from drear, meaning 'sorrowful, gloomy'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a dreary day:

A day that is dull and overcast, often causing a feeling of sadness.

dreary routine:

A monotonous and unexciting series of activities or events in daily life.

Related Words

dreariness:

The state or quality of being dreary.

drear:

Gloomy or dismal.

Slang Meanings of dreary

Meaning: In a bad mood or feeling low-energy.

Example Sentence: I'm feeling dreary today, just can't get motivated.

Meaning: Boring or uninteresting.

Example Sentence: That concert was so dreary, I almost fell asleep.