Definition of: dismal

(diz′məl) adjective
1. Producing or expressing depression or gloom of feeling; cheerless; mournful.
2. Relating to adversity or trouble; direful; horrible.
3. Calamitous; ill-omened. See synonyms under DARK, SAD.
—n
1. Colloq. Usually plural Gloomy feelings; depression.
2. U.S. A piece of swampy land along or near the southern Atlantic coast. Also dismal swamp. [<L dies mali evil or unpropitious days]
—dis′mal·ly adverb
—dis′mal·ness noun