bleak

dismal, dreary, bleak, gloomy, cheerless, desolate mean devoid of cheer or comfort. dismal indicates extreme and utterly depressing gloominess.

• • dismal weather

dreary, often interchangeable with dismal, emphasizes discouragement resulting from sustained dullness or futility.

• • a dreary job

bleak suggests chill, dull, and barren characteristics that utterly dishearten.

• • the bleak years of the depression

gloomy often suggests lack of hope or promise.

• • gloomy war news

cheerless stresses absence of anything cheering.

• • a drab and cheerless office

desolate adds an element of utter remoteness or lack of human contact to any already disheartening aspect.

• • a desolate outpost