Dismal
'dɪzməl
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing or showing gloom or depression; extremely bad or serious.
'dɪzməl
Causing gloom or depression.
The news of the layoffs created a dismal atmosphere in the office.
💡 Simply: When things are dismal, they're like a really sad movie – everything feels dark, gloomy, and not very fun. Imagine your favorite team losing badly, or your ice cream cone falling on the ground! That's a dismal feeling.
👶 For kids: When something is dismal, it's like a really sad or gloomy day. Everything feels bad.
More Examples
The performance of the team was dismal; they lost by a large margin.
The weather forecast predicted a dismal weekend with heavy rain and strong winds.
How It's Used
"The weather was dismal, with constant rain and gray skies."
"He described a dismal scene of poverty and despair."
"The company reported dismal sales figures for the quarter."
Extremely bad or inadequate; causing or characterized by the feelings of gloom and depression.
'dɪzməl
Very bad; poor.
The company's financial results were dismal, leading to significant losses.
💡 Simply: If something is dismal, it's not good at all. Like, if your school lunch is super yucky, or a game is really boring, that's a dismal experience.
👶 For kids: When something is dismal, it's not good and makes you feel sad.
More Examples
She had a dismal performance in the exam and failed to meet the requirements.
The initial reviews of the movie were dismal, suggesting it was a box-office flop.
How It's Used
"The team had a dismal performance in the first half."
"The economic outlook remained dismal."
Idioms & expressions
dismal science
A derogatory term for economics, sometimes attributed to Thomas Carlyle.
"Critics have argued that the economic predictions represent a dismal science."
From Middle English *dismal*, from Old French *dismal* ('unlucky, unfortunate'), ultimately from Latin *diēs mali* ('evil days'), referring to days considered inauspicious or unlucky in medieval astrology.
The word 'dismal' has been used since the 14th century, often to describe unfavorable or unfortunate situations, as well as days associated with bad omens or superstition.
Memory tip
Think of a DISMAL day as one that makes you DISMISS all your plans due to sadness.
Word Origin
"evil days"