adjective

grim

GRIM/ɡrɪm/

Showing stern severity without cheerfulness.

The woman surveys the damaged home with a grim expression.

A close view of a woman surveying a severely damaged home, her tightly set mouth, lowered brows and rigid posture conveying a grim expression.

Etymology

Old English grimm conveyed fierceness, cruelty, and severity. The word has weakened toward sternness or gloom, though a grim prospect still carries a sense of something dire.

In context

Manhattan Theatre Club7:21

now it's about some very Grim realities you asked me about Gary Hines a minute ago um Gary Hines has a great touch with making some very serious things very very funny

Playwright Bill Cain on Equivocation

More examples

His face turns grim when he hears the news.
The coach gives us a grim look after the loss.
She remains grim throughout the meeting, never once smiling.

Forms

grim · grimmer · grimmest

grimly adverb — In a stern and unsmiling manner.

grimness noun — The quality of being stern and unsmiling.

Similar words

stern: Often emphasizes strict authority or disapproval rather than cheerlessness.
somber: Emphasizes quiet sadness or seriousness rather than stern severity.
severe: Emphasizes harshness or strictness, especially in appearance or treatment.