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Definitions

dire

[dahyuhr] / daɪər /
ADJECTIVE
urgent; crucial
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acute critical desperate drastic extreme
WEAK
burning clamant clamorous climacteric crying exigent immoderate imperative importunate instant pressing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm mild unimportant
WEAK
fortunate good lucky nice trivial
ADJECTIVE
terrible, ominous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarming appalling awful calamitous cataclysmic catastrophic depressing disastrous dismal distressing dreadful gloomy grim horrible lamentable shocking ugly unfortunate
WEAK
afflictive black cruel deplorable fearful fierce frightful grievous heartbreaking horrid oppressing portentous redoubtable regrettable ruinous scowling terrific woeful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blessed bright cheerful cheering comforting encouraging fortunate good happy hopeful joyful light lucky pleasant pleasing sunny wonderful
WEAK
nice

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.

Then Amazon.com came along, and by 2019 Barnes & Noble was in dire shape.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

And if the outcome is particularly dire it’s thought that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will face a leadership challenge from within his party.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

The UN has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire despite the ceasefire agreed by Israel and Hamas six months ago, following two years of devastating war.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

But if, and when, one strikes, the repercussions could be dire.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

It meant drop everything and come running—or risk dire consequences.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Vocabulary lists containing dire

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act I

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!