(~er, ~est)
1.
If a situation is ~, it is bad, and seems unlikely to improve.
The immediate outlook remains ~...
Many predicted a ~ future.
= gloomy
? bright
ADJ
~ness
The continued ~ness of the American job market was blamed.
N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, oft N of n
2.
If you describe a place as ~, you mean that it looks cold, empty, and unattractive.
The island’s pretty ~.
...~ inner-city streets.
ADJ
3.
When the weather is ~, it is cold, dull, and unpleasant.
The weather can be quite ~ on the coast.
ADJ
4.
If someone looks or sounds ~, they look or sound depressed, as if they have no hope or energy.
Alberg gave him a ~ stare.
ADJ
~ly
‘There is nothing left,’ she says ~ly.
ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj