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.
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
Joy is hardly the operative word, of course, in this post-apocalyptic play about the direness of the human condition.
From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2023
Say the names “Lindsay Scott” and/or “Buck Belue,” and Georgian memories whoosh back to one play — the former’s 93-yard catch from the latter and direness in 1980 against Florida.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 9, 2023
“The direness of the situation cannot be overstated, and there is no obfuscating press statement, briefing, or address that can hide where responsibility lies,” the lawmakers said.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 18, 2021
It has been thought wise to adopt two somewhat differing similes in the foregoing, in order that the direness of the tragedy may be sufficiently apprehended.
From The Spenders A Tale of the Third Generation by Harry Leon Wilson
