Dismally: meaning, definitions and examples

😞

Add to dictionary

dismally

[ˈdɪz.mə.li ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

feeling or mood

In a gloomy and depressing manner; in a way that lacks hope or enthusiasm.

Synonyms

depressingly, gloomily, hopelessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dismally	Used to describe something in a very sad or disappointing way. Often related to performance or results. The team performed dismally in the championship. The weather was dismally gray today.
gloomily	Describes something that is dark, depressing, or pessimistic. It often relates to both physical and emotional states. She stared gloomily out of the window. The room was lit gloomily.
depressingly	Refers to something that is very sad or makes you feel very unhappy. It often describes situations that affect one's mood negatively. The news was depressingly bad. The movie was depressingly sad.
hopelessly	Used to describe a situation that seems to have no chance of success or improvement. Can also describe a strong emotional feeling. He felt hopelessly trapped in his job. She was hopelessly in love with him.

Examples of usage

He looked at her dismally, knowing that she would never forgive him.
The rain fell dismally, adding to the somber atmosphere of the funeral.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

performance or outcome

In a way that is very bad or disappointing; in a manner indicating failure or lack of success.

Synonyms

abysmally, badly, poorly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dismally	Use this word to describe something that is done in a depressing or dreary manner. Often has a negative connotation. The weather was dismally rainy, ruining our plans for the picnic. His performance was dismally inadequate, leading to poor results.
poorly	This word is often used to describe performance, conditions, or quality that are substandard or unsatisfactory. It implies a lack of adequacy or effectiveness. He did poorly on his exams and missed the passing grade. The team performed poorly because they were not well-prepared.
badly	Use this word in general situations to indicate poor performance or quality. It can describe a wide range of negative outcomes. She played the piano badly in her first concert. The project was handled badly, resulting in numerous errors.
abysmally	This word is appropriate for situations where something is performed extremely poorly or at a very low standard. It often carries a sense of being below even the lowest expectations. The restaurant's service was abysmally bad, making us wait for hours. The student's grades were abysmally low, causing concern among the teachers.

Examples of usage

The team played dismally, losing every match of the season.
The company's profits were dismally low, leading to layoffs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'dismally' comes from 'dismal', which has roots in the Latin word 'dies mali', meaning 'bad day'.
It was first used in the English language in the 16th century to describe a gloomy atmosphere or a feeling of sadness.

Literature

In literature, the word often sets a dark or melancholic tone, frequently found in gothic novels.
Famous authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens have used the word to evoke feelings of despair in their characters.

Psychology

Feeling dismal can be linked to depression or low mood, which affect how people perceive their environment.
Studies indicate that prolonged dismal feelings can alter cognitive functions, making it harder to think positively.

Pop Culture

The word 'dismally' is often used in movies to describe a character's failed attempts at happiness or success.
In music, songs that discuss heartbreak or loss often use 'dismally' to reinforce the emotion of sorrow.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures recognize 'dismally' as an emotion tied to loss, mourning, or disappointment, often reflected in art and traditions.
In some cultures, expressing dismal feelings is considered important for grieving, showcasing the balance of emotions in everyday life.

Translations

Translations of the word "dismally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamentavelmente

🇮🇳 दुखद रूप से

🇩🇪 kläglich

🇮🇩 dengan suram

🇺🇦 похмуро

🇵🇱 żałośnie

🇯🇵 みじめに

🇫🇷 lamentablement

🇪🇸 lamentablemente

🇹🇷 üzücü bir şekilde

🇰🇷 우울하게

🇸🇦 بشكل بائس

🇨🇿 nešťastně

🇸🇰 nešťastne

🇨🇳 悲惨地

🇸🇮 žalostno

🇮🇸 örvæntingarfullt

🇰🇿 қапалы түрде

🇬🇪 სევდიანი

🇦🇿 kədərli şəkildə

🇲🇽 lamentablemente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,634, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28631 malformed
28632 merino
28633 peripatetic
28634 dismally
28635 periscope
28636 likable
28637 soldiering
...