adj.
Pronunciation: ' diz-m ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from dismal, noun, days marked as unlucky in medieval calendars, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin dies mali, literally, evil days
Date: 15th century
1 obsolete : DISASTROUS , DREADFUL
2 : showing or causing gloom or depression
3 : lacking merit : particularly bad <a dismal performance>
– dis · mal · ly \ -m ə -l ē \ adverb
– dis · mal · ness noun
synonyms DISMAL , DREARY , BLEAK , GLOOMY , CHEERLESS , DESOLATE mean devoid of cheer or comfort. DISMAL indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess < dismal weather>. DREARY often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility <a dreary job>. BLEAK suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten <the bleak years of the depression>. GLOOMY often suggests lack of hope or promise < gloomy war news>. CHEERLESS stresses absence of anything cheering <a drab and cheerless office>. DESOLATE adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect <a desolate outpost>.