/ ˈdɪzməl; NAmE / adjective
1.
causing or showing sadness
SYN gloomy , miserable :
dismal conditions / surroundings / weather
2.
( informal ) not skilful or successful; of very low quality :
The singer gave a dismal performance of some old songs.
Their recent attempt to increase sales has been a dismal failure .
► dis·mal·ly / -məli; NAmE / adverb :
I tried not to laugh but failed dismally (= was completely unsuccessful) .
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from earlier dismal (noun), denoting the two days in each month which in medieval times were believed to be unlucky, from Anglo-Norman French dis mal , from medieval Latin dies mali evil days.