Synonyms for

Dismal

Verb / ˈdɪzmʌl / Another word for dismal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing gloom or depression; dreary

Synonyms & similar words

dingy grim dreary blue drear sorry gloomy drab dark disconsolate bleak dreary gloomy miserable dark sad depressing forlorn gloomy grim joyless melancholy somber sorrowful unhappy lugubrious funereal doleful disconsolate cheerless

Synonyms by register

Formal

gloomy somber bleak depressing

Informal

lousy crappy bummy rotten

Literary

dreary forlorn melancholy

Antonyms

cheerful bright joyful happy pleasant optimistic sunny

Common collocations

  • dismal weather
  • dismal failure
  • dismal performance
  • dismal day
  • dismal outlook
  • dismal conditions
  • dismal state

Word family

noun dismalness
adverb dismally

Usage note

Often used to describe weather, moods, or situations that are depressing or bleak. It carries a strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The old, abandoned house looked dismal with its broken windows and overgrown lawn.
  2. The rainy weather made everyone feel dismal and unmotivated.
  3. The news of the pandemic's impact on the economy was dismal.
  4. The team's dismal performance in the game led to their loss.
  5. The funeral procession was a dismal sight with everyone wearing black and crying.

Quotes

  • The dismal half-known facts of dying were purged away.
  • The dismal situation in many schools is appalling.
  • The dismal hump of the Peak rose up behind them.

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