Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for dismal. Search instead for lismar.
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.

Although the government shutdown subtracted about a percentage point of economic growth, the softer spending also contributed to the dismal 0.7% growth rate in inflation-adjusted gross domestic product.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 2, 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

I preferred to stay lost in the darkness of my dismal thoughts.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool