dire
adjective
causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible.
direness
-
a word derived from
dire.
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.
Rather than jumping into a play-by-play, let’s zoom in on the direness of the situation right now.
From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2023
Case managers also have opportunities to press for housing for people when they feel the survey score isn’t properly reflecting the direness of their situation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2023
Her parents didn’t realize the direness of her situation.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 24, 2018
Rather than exude gratitude, Gyllenhaal goes for something far more original and distressing in its direness: claustrophobia.
From New York Times ● Dec. 7, 2017
But he is upon the spot to smooth the felon's troubled spirit, and I am with him to teach the felon's boon companions the direness of the penalty.
From Campaigns of a Non-Combatant, and His Romaunt Abroad During the War by George Alfred Townsend
