direful

[ dahyuhr-fuhl ]

/ ˈdaɪər fəl /

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adjective

dreadful; awful; terrible.

indicating trouble: direful forecasts.

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Origin of direful

First recorded in 1575–85; dire + -ful

dire·ful·ly, adverbdire·ful·ness, noun

Riding forward, Moffat and Waterboer found a young woman belonging to the Mantatees, whose whole appearance denoted direful want.
Robert Moffat|David J. Deane
Ever since leaving England Charles and his followers had suffered from the most direful impecuniosity.
Belgium|George W. T. (George William Thomson) Omond
The Pope smiled when he saw his mighty frame and sinews of iron—a direful foe of the infidels!
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis
Save for a mouthful of bread while he buckled on his armor, he had tasted none that direful day.
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis

And as I reeled over the smoke, I saw you in direful peril, clutched by wanton hands, facing a fate worse than death!
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis