Pronunciation: [dˈɪzməl] (IPA) 
Dismal is spelled with a "d" followed by an "i" and an "s". The "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/, which is the short vowel /i/ sound. The "s" is pronounced as /s/, which is a voiceless fricative consonant. The word ends with "mal" which is pronounced as /məl/. Dismal means depressing, gloomy or bleak. It is commonly used to describe a situation or an experience that is unpleasant or unsatisfactory.
Dismal is an adjective that describes something as being gloomy, bleak, or dreary in nature. It refers to situations or circumstances that evoke a feeling of sadness, despair, or hopelessness. The word is often used to depict a state of desolation or a lack of hope, lending an air of negativity to the subject it describes.
When something is described as dismal, it suggests a sense of darkness, misery, or utter disappointment. It implies a lack of cheerfulness or brightness, often associated with places, weather conditions, or events that leave one feeling disheartened or discouraged. For instance, a dismal room might be poorly lit, cramped, and devoid of any warmth or character. Similarly, a dismal future might allude to prospects that are unpromising, uncertain, or unrewarding.
The concept of dismal often evokes a feeling of sadness, as it conveys the absence of light or any positive elements that might bring joy or inspiration. The term can also suggest an atmosphere of depression or a sense of foreboding. It is commonly used to express disappointment or to highlight the unappealing or unfavorable aspects of a given situation.
Overall, dismal denotes a state of darkness, gloominess, or lack of vitality, creating a bleak and melancholic impression.
Dreary; dark; gloomy; sorrowful; frightful.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word dismal has its roots in the Middle English term dismal(e), which came from the Old French word disme, meaning ten days. The Old French term referred to the ten-day period in the Roman calendar observed as days of bad luck, known as dies mali.
