MEANING
1. Gloomy or depressing in atmosphere, or extremely poor in quality, result, or condition.
2. Extremely bad, unsuccessful, or inadequate in quality or outcome.
Use it for
Use for oppressive mood or conspicuously poor results.Create bleak surroundings or characterize a disappointing outcome.
Words that belong together
- dismal weather
- dismal prospect
- dismal failure
- dismal performance
- dismal result
On the page
The dismal hallway smelled of wet plaster and extinguished candles.
The team made a dismal attempt to repair the radio.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- dismal
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Usage notes
The atmosphere sense concerns mood or light; the evaluative sense means remarkably poor or unsuccessful. Sense 2: This evaluative sense need not describe sadness or scenery.
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