dismal

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.

The estimated 178,000 increase in new jobs last month came as a relief after a dismal February employment report.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

The prospects for negotiations reopening the strait and ending the war are dismal, and there is no guarantee that force can accomplish what diplomacy cannot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The debate around England's dismal Ashes defeat continued on Monday when it was confirmed coach Brendon McCullum, director of cricket Rob Key and Test captain Ben Stokes were to remain in their posts.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

If economics can be called the dismal science, I’d argue that eugenics might be called the narcissistic one.

From Slate • Mar. 19, 2026

Our minds were turned, I suppose, to our fates, should our expedition fail, and to the torments that awaited us; and thus our conversation turned upon the dismal subject of punishment.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson