dismal

Universal Words adjective 1 causing or showing sadness SYNMISERABLE, GLOOMY: dismal conditions / surroundings / weather * Christmas will be dismal without the children. 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. dismally adverb: I tried not to laugh but failed dismally (= was completely unsuccessful).