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dismal

adjective

/ˈdɪzməl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dismal

Gloomy, bleak, or depressing, often characterized by a lack of brightness, hope, or cheerfulness.
"The weather outside was dismal, with dark clouds and heavy rain."

Detailed meaning of dismal

When a situation, place, or outlook is described as dismal, it implies a sense of darkness, desolation, or pessimism. This term is often associated with unfavorable or unpleasant conditions, such as dismal weather, a dismal performance, or a dismal economic forecast. It conveys a feeling of sadness, disappointment, or a general lack of enthusiasm. For example, a dismal room might have shabby furniture and dim lighting, while a dismal mood could be a result of persistent setbacks or difficulties. "Dismal" underscores the idea of a dreary and disheartening quality, often evoking a sense of dreariness or hopelessness.

Example sentences containing dismal

1. The weather outside was dismal, with heavy rain and gray skies.
2. The news of the economic downturn cast a dismal shadow over the city.
3. The abandoned house had a dismal, haunted appearance.
4. His dismal mood persisted after the disappointing result.
5. The factory closure brought a dismal future for many workers.
6. She painted a dismal picture of the town's declining prosperity.

History and etymology of dismal

The adjective 'dismal' has its etymological origins in Old English, specifically from the word 'dīsmǣl,' which means 'sad' or 'gloomy.' The term 'dīsmǣl' is a combination of 'dīs,' meaning 'disorder' or 'lack,' and 'mǣl,' meaning 'measure' or 'time.' Originally, 'dismal' described something that was considered unfavorable or lacking in positive attributes, often characterized by a sense of disorder or sadness. Over time, it evolved to signify a state of being gloomy, bleak, or depressing, typically associated with a lack of brightness, hope, or cheerfulness. The etymology of 'dismal' reflects its historical connection to the concept of sadness and disorder, emphasizing the sense of bleakness and gloominess that the term conveys.

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Further usage examples of dismal

1. The forest looked dismal under the cover of dense fog.
2. The movie's ending was unexpectedly dismal, leaving viewers in shock.
3. The long, dismal winter seemed to have no end in sight.
4. The old, dilapidated building had a dismal air of neglect.
5. The team's performance was dismal, and they lost the game.
6. The report provided a dismal outlook for the environment.
7. The team's performance was dismal, and they lost the game by a wide margin.
8. The weather was dismal, with gray clouds and constant drizzle making for a dreary day.
9. The company reported dismal earnings this quarter, causing a significant drop in stock prices.
10. His attempt at baking a cake was dismal, ending up with a burnt and inedible mess.
11. The small room with its peeling paint and single flickering light bulb had a dismal atmosphere.
12. Despite the hype, the movie turned out to be a dismal failure at the box office.
13. The villagers faced a dismal situation after the flood destroyed their crops and homes.
14. The party was dismal, with only a few guests showing up and very little entertainment.
15. The traveler recounted his dismal journey through the rain-soaked forest with no shelter in sight.
16. The student's dismal grades reflected a lack of effort and understanding of the material.
17. The conditions in the refugee camp were dismal, lacking basic necessities like clean water and medicine.
18. The dismal outcome of the negotiation left both parties unsatisfied and frustrated.
19. His attempt to tell jokes was dismal, as nobody laughed or even cracked a smile.
20. The dismal lighting in the office made it difficult for employees to focus on their work.
21. The critics gave the novel dismal reviews, criticizing its flat characters and unoriginal plot.