dire

/draɪər/

Definitions

1. adjective

extremely bad or serious; alarming

“The dire forecast predicted a category 5 hurricane.”

2. noun

a warning or threat

“The dire warning from the doctor made him quit smoking.”

3. adverb

very; extremely

“He was direly in need of help after the accident.”

Synonyms

  • alarming
  • grim
  • serious
  • severe

Antonyms

  • encouraging
  • favorable
  • hopeful
  • positive