dismal
adjective
causing gloom or dejection; gloomy; dreary; cheerless; melancholy.
dismally
-
a word derived from
dismal.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a dismally unwise attempt to curry favor and get a lighter sentence, he gives the authorities the name of the perpetrator—making up the tale.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
The players failed dismally but the reaction will be an evisceration of the coach.
From BBC ● Feb. 7, 2026
It's "slick but dismally soulless", declared the Hollywood Reporter, while the New York Times called it "obvious, garish and just plain dumb".
From BBC ● Mar. 15, 2025
And the men, instead of controlling the narrative, will attempt to control her and fail dismally.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2024
A dead mouse fell out and rolled dismally across the floor.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
