dire

[dahy^uhr]

adjective

direr, direst 

1. causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible.

   a dire calamity.

2. indicating trouble, disaster, misfortune, or the like.

   dire predictions about the stock market.

3. urgent; desperate.

   in dire need of food.

dire

/ daɪə /

adjective

1. Also: direful. disastrous; fearful

2. desperate; urgent

   a dire need

3. foreboding disaster; ominous

   a dire warning

Other Word Forms

• direly adverb
• direness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dire¹

First recorded in 1560–70, dire is from the Latin word dīrus fearful, unlucky

Word History and Origins

Origin of dire¹

C16: from Latin dīrus ominous, fearful; related to Greek deos fear

Example Sentences

Their choice could have dire consequences for us all.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite Orban's dire warnings of price hikes, there is no data - so far at least - to suggest that Czech consumers have to pay more.

Read more on BBC

The NBA is reviewing league policies to ensure players know gambling's "dire risks" according to a league memo reportedly sent to teams Monday in the wake of a betting scandal.

Read more on Barron's

Hospitals claim that they operate on tight budgets and that the recent Medicaid reforms will force dire cuts to services.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Several armed gangs in Gaza are reportedly acting under Israeli protection, and allegedly loot aid convoys entering the territory, where shortages remain dire after Israel's wartime blockade.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• alarming 
• appalling 
• awful 
• calamitous 
• cataclysmic 
• catastrophic 
• depressing 
• disastrous 
• dismal 
• distressing www.thesaurus.com
• dreadful 
• gloomy 
• grim 
• horrible 
• lamentable 
• shocking 
• ugly 
• unfortunate