/ ˈdaɪə(r); NAmE / adjective ( direr , dir·est )
1.
[ usually before noun ] ( formal ) very serious :
living in dire poverty
dire warnings / threats
Such action may have dire consequences .
We're in dire need of your help.
The firm is in dire straits (= in a very difficult situation) and may go bankrupt.
2.
( BrE , informal ) very bad :
The acting was dire.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from Latin dirus fearful, threatening.