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Showing results for dismal. Search instead for bismak.
Definitions

dismal

[diz-muhl] / ˈdɪz məl /
ADJECTIVE
bleak, dreary, gloomy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
depressing dim discouraging disheartening dull ghastly horrible horrid miserable murky sad
WEAK
afflictive black boring cheerless cloudy dark depressed desolate despondent dingy disagreeable dispiriting doleful dolorous forlorn frowning funereal gruesome hopeless in the pits inauspicious joyless lonesome lowering lugubrious melancholy monotonous morbid oppressive overcast shadowy somber sorrowful tedious tenebrous troublesome unfortunate unhappy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright cheerful clear encouraging favorable happy intelligent joyful light luminous pleasant smart
WEAK
glad hopeful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That, more than anything, was what was on dismal display Wednesday night.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Beaver is one of those manosphere gurus who preside over dismal power-of-positive-thinking seminars in hotel conference rooms where lost men gather for advice on how to win.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Things were looking pretty dismal across financial markets overnight: Crude-oil prices surged, and stocks trading in Japan and South Korea sank.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

What was shaping up to be a dismal day for major world economies was left with a glimmer of optimism.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

It is no longer possible to stockpile materials well in advance; what today may be the most promising of insecticidal chemicals may be the dismal failure of tomorrow.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson