dire
Translation
dire, terrible, urgent
Examples
The company is in dire financial trouble.
The company is in dire financial trouble.
There is a dire need for food and water.
There is a dire need for food and water.
The warnings about the storm were dire.
The warnings about the storm were dire.
Grammar Patterns
in dire ((noun)) in a very serious or terrible situation The company is in dire financial trouble.
a dire need for ((sth.)) an urgent need for something There is a dire need for food.
Similar Words
Synonyms: terrible, dreadful, appalling, urgent
Etymology
From Latin 'dirus' meaning 'fearful, awful'.
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'die'. If a situation is dire, you might die. This helps remember its serious meaning.