dismal
Translation
gloomy, depressing, miserable
Examples
The weather was dismal and grey.
The weather was dismal and gray.
The team gave a dismal performance.
The team gave a dismal performance.
Grammar Patterns
((dismal)) + noun a dismal failure The project was a dismal failure.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gloomy, bleak, dreary; Antonyms: cheerful, bright
Etymology
From Old French 'dis mal', meaning 'evil days', referring to unlucky days in the medieval calendar.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'this mall' is 'dismal' because it's empty and dark.