The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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dire

adjective

/daɪər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dire

Extremely serious, urgent, and often characterized by grave consequences or severe hardships.
"The hospital staff was facing dire shortages of medical supplies."

Detailed meaning of dire

When we characterize something as dire, we emphasize the severity and urgency of the matter, suggesting that immediate attention or action is necessary to prevent or mitigate a potential disaster or crisis. Dire situations can involve life-threatening dangers, extreme hardships, or critical shortages, and they typically evoke a sense of deep concern or alarm. Whether it's a dire financial situation, a dire medical prognosis, or a dire warning about the state of the environment, this adjective underscores the gravity and urgency of the issue at hand, highlighting the need for immediate and decisive action to address it.

Example sentences containing dire

1. The farmers were struggling to feed their families due to the dire drought conditions.
2. The company was in dire financial straits and was on the brink of bankruptcy.
3. The city was facing dire consequences if it did not take immediate action to reduce pollution.
4. The hiker was in dire need of rescue after getting lost in the wilderness.
5. The refugees were fleeing from a dire situation in their home country.
6. The community was reeling from the dire effects of the recent hurricane.

History and etymology of dire

The adjective 'dire' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'dirus,' which means 'fearful,' 'dreadful,' or 'ominous.' In Latin, 'dirus' was used to describe things that inspired fear or foreboding. As the word evolved in English, it came to represent situations, circumstances, or events that are extremely serious, urgent, and often characterized by grave consequences or severe hardships. 'Dire' retains a sense of ominousness and seriousness, reflecting the potential direness of the outcomes associated with such situations. Its etymology underscores the gravity and urgency that the word conveys when describing severe or critical circumstances.

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Further usage examples of dire

1. The scientists issued a dire warning about the spread of a deadly virus.
2. The homeless shelter was in dire need of donations to continue providing services.
3. The politician's decision had dire implications for the country's future.
4. The villagers were facing dire living conditions due to the ongoing conflict in their region.
5. The pandemic had a dire impact on global healthcare systems and economies.
6. Dire weather warnings prompted evacuations in vulnerable coastal areas.
7. The dire shortage of clean water threatened public health in the region.
8. The refugee crisis led to dire humanitarian conditions in overcrowded camps.
9. Dire consequences awaited those who ignored the warning signs.
10. The dire state of the economy left many struggling to make ends meet.
11. The wildfire's rapid spread posed a dire threat to nearby communities.
12. A dire need for food aid emerged in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
13. The dire situation called for a coordinated response from relief agencies.
14. Dire consequences followed the failure to address the infrastructure crisis.
15. The war had dire implications for regional stability and security.
16. The drought's impact on agriculture led to dire food shortages.
17. The dire prognosis prompted the patient to seek immediate medical attention.
18. The dire outlook for endangered species urged conservation efforts.
19. Dire financial straits forced the company to make tough decisions.
20. Dire circumstances often bring out the resilience of individuals.
21. The refugee crisis created dire living conditions in makeshift camps.
22. Dire political instability threatened the country's fragile democracy.
23. The dire need for affordable housing was a pressing issue in the city.