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Dismal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dismal

[ˈdɪz.məl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

Causing gloom or depression; dreary. Lacking in brightness, vividness, or liveliness.

Synonyms

bleak, depressing, dreary, gloomy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismal

Usually used to describe situations, conditions, or performances that are extremely poor or negative. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • 'The weather was dismal, with constant rain and grey skies
  • ' 'The team's performance was dismal; they didn't score a single point
  • '
bleak

Often used to describe situations or places that seem hopeless, empty, and without any positive outcome. It conveys a sense of desolation.

  • 'The future looks bleak for the small business struggling to survive
  • ' 'The landscape was bleak, with no signs of life or vegetation
  • '
gloomy

Describes things that are dark, dim, or filled with sadness. It can be used for physical environments or moods. It conveys a sense of darkness and melancholy.

  • 'The room was gloomy, with little light coming through the windows
  • ' 'She felt gloomy after hearing the bad news
  • '
dreary

Generally used for environments, weather, or routines that are dull, repetitive, and boring. It emphasizes a lack of excitement or interest.

  • 'The office had a dreary atmosphere with its old furniture and grey walls
  • ' 'It was a dreary day with overcast skies and no sun
  • '
depressing

Describes things that make people feel very unhappy or discouraged. Often used for experiences, news, or stories. Strong negative connotation indicating emotional impact.

  • 'Watching the news every day can be quite depressing
  • ' 'The movie was depressing; it had a very sad ending
  • '

Examples of usage

  • The weather was dismal, with dark clouds covering the sky.
  • The dismal day made everyone feel downcast.
Context #2 | Adjective

mood

Showing or causing gloom or depression; dreary. Depressingly inadequate or small.

Synonyms

disheartening, dispiriting, unpromising.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismal

Used to describe something that is very bad, gloomy, or depressing, often about situations or conditions.

  • The weather was dismal, raining all day without a single ray of sunlight.
  • The team's performance was dismal, losing every game this season.
disheartening

Typically used when something causes a loss of hope, morale, or confidence.

  • It was disheartening to see all my hard work go to waste.
  • The news about the layoffs was disheartening to the employees.
unpromising

Used when something does not show signs of success or improvement; it often suggests a future that looks bleak or unlikely to be good.

  • The project seemed unpromising from the start, with many problems and obstacles.
  • The early reports were unpromising, making investors hesitant.
dispiriting

Similar to 'disheartening', but emphasizes the feeling of losing spirit and enthusiasm.

  • The constant criticism was dispiriting for the young artist.
  • The long, unfruitful job search was dispiriting.

Examples of usage

  • His dismal expression matched the somber atmosphere of the room.
  • The team's dismal performance disappointed their fans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'dismal' often describes settings that evoke despair, such as dark forests or abandoned places, enhancing the mood.
  • Charles Dickens frequently used 'dismal' to highlight the plight of characters in difficult situations, amplifying their struggles.
  • Edgar Allan Poe's works encompass 'dismal' themes, manifesting in fear and melancholy, capturing the human experience of despair.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, dismal scenes often precede moments of transformation or hope, like a character hitting rock bottom before a comeback.
  • Songs about heartbreak or loss frequently use 'dismal' to convey deep emotions, connecting listeners with relatable experiences.
  • The term appears in various horror genres, where 'dismal' settings create tension and evoke a sense of dread.

Psychology

  • 'Dismal' moods can indicate feelings of depression or hopelessness, often discussed in mental health contexts.
  • Research suggests that prolonged exposure to dismal environments can negatively affect mental health and well-being.
  • Conversely, recognizing dismal feelings can lead to helpful coping strategies and personal growth.

Nature

  • Dismal weather, like heavy rain or fog, can affect people's moods and has been studied in relation to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
  • Certain ecosystems might thrive in dismal conditions, showcasing resilience in nature, like deep-sea creatures in dark environments.
  • The perception of 'dismal' can vary based on cultural contexts, with some appreciating nature's somber beauty during overcast days.

Origin of 'dismal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dismal' comes from the Latin 'dies mali', meaning 'bad days' or unlucky days.
  • It was originally used to describe gloomy weather or events considered to bring misfortune.
  • The term evolved in the 14th century, linking it to sadness and bleakness in various contexts.

The word 'dismal' originated from the Middle English word 'dismal' or 'dismale', which came from the Old French word 'dismal' meaning 'disastrous'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something gloomy or depressing.

See also: dismally.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,751, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.