adjective
dismal
DIZ-mul/ˈdɪzməl/
Deeply discouraging or unsatisfactory.
The muddy puddles and broken bench give the playground a dismal appearance.
Etymology
Dismal apparently comes from an expression meaning “bad days,” referring to days considered unlucky. Its meaning broadened from ill-omened to gloomy or cheerless—something that depresses the spirits.
In context
Ah, how often do the poor Italians, those children of the sun, pine and die when shut up in our dismal, sordid streets!
More examples
- Rain and gray skies make this a dismal morning.
- The restaurant serves dismal food at surprisingly high prices.
- Despite months of practice, our first performance is dismal.
Forms
dismal
dismally adverb — In a deeply discouraging or unsatisfactory way.