bleak

When things look bleak in Hollywood, it is often a sequel that saves the day.

In the film’s climactic sequence — the first staged performance of “Hamlet” — Zhao finally provides the tools the viewer needs to navigate this bleak tale.

Fay Siu, who leads the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, offered emotional support to families at the mortuary, where she said the atmosphere was "miserable and bleak".

Coal usage was in a long-term decline, and investors saw a bleak future for the industry.

A year ago, the future looked bleak for the company.