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What is another word for Dismal? – 154 Dismal Synonyms

    Need another word for Dismal? Use these synonyms of Dismal from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    gloomy depressing dreary dismal bleak somber mournful sorrowful melancholy unhappy sad sorrow despondent dejected disheartened hopeless despairing desperate woeful pitiful pathetic miserable wretched forlorn desolate barren stark grim dismal cheerless joyless uninviting unwelcoming unfavorable unpropitious unlucky inauspicious ill-fated ill-omened dire calamitous catastrophic disastrous unfortunate unlucky hapless

    Meaning of Dismal

    The primary meaning of the word "Dismal" is having a gloomy or depressing quality.

    Definitions

    • Causing a feeling of sadness or depression; gloomy
    • Giving a strong impression of dreariness or desolation

    Etymology of Dismal

    The word "Dismal" has its roots in Old English and Middle English, where it was derived from the phrase "dismal day," which referred to a day of ill omen or a day of executing justice, thus having a negative connotation.
    Historically, the term was associated with unfavorable or unlucky days, and over time, its meaning expanded to describe anything that evokes feelings of gloom, sadness, or depression.

    Example Uses

    • The dismal weather matched her mood perfectly, as the grey skies and constant rain reflected her inner sadness.
    • The old, abandoned house had a dismal appearance, with overgrown gardens and broken windows that seemed to stare like empty eyes.
    • After losing his job, he felt dismal about his future prospects, struggling to find the motivation to start looking for new employment.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    cheerful happy joyful uplifting inspiring optimistic hopeful promising favorable propitious lucky auspicious fortunate delightful pleasing attractive inviting welcoming pleasant sunny bright radiant beaming resplendent glorious triumphant ecstatic elated thrilled exhilarated enthusiastic

    Related Nouns

    sadness sorrow melancholy gloom depression despair desperation hopelessness misery wretchedness desolation barrenness starkness grimness dreariness cheerlessness joylessness unhappiness sorrowfulness mournfulness bleakness somberness mournfulness

    Related Verbs

    depress sadden gloom dismay dishearten discourage despair desperation worsen deteriorate decline sink drop fall plunge deteriorate crumble shatter crush demolish destroy

    Related Adjectives

    gloomy dreary bleak somber mournful sorrowful melancholic unhappy sad depressing despondent dejected disheartened hopeless despairing desperate woeful pitiful pathetic miserable wretched forlorn desolate barren stark grim dire calamitous catastrophic disastrous unfortunate unlucky hapless