bleak
bleak /bl'iːk/ (bleaker bleakest)
1 [ADJ]
If a situation is bleak, it is bad, and seems unlikely to improve.
The immediate outlook remains bleak...
Many predicted a bleak future.
= gloomy
≠ bright
● bleakness [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp, oft N of n
The continued bleakness of the American job market was blamed.
2 [ADJ]
If you describe a place as bleak, you mean that it looks cold, empty, and unattractive.
The island's pretty bleak.
...bleak inner-city streets.
3 [ADJ]
When the weather is bleak, it is cold, dull, and unpleasant.
The weather can be quite bleak on the coast.
4 [ADJ]
If someone looks or sounds bleak, they look or sound depressed, as if they have no hope or energy.
Alberg gave him a bleak stare.
● bleakly [ADV] usu ADV with v, also ADV adj
`There is nothing left,' she says bleakly.
1 [ADJ]
If a situation is bleak, it is bad, and seems unlikely to improve.
The immediate outlook remains bleak...
Many predicted a bleak future.
= gloomy
≠ bright
● bleakness [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp, oft N of n
The continued bleakness of the American job market was blamed.
2 [ADJ]
If you describe a place as bleak, you mean that it looks cold, empty, and unattractive.
The island's pretty bleak.
...bleak inner-city streets.
3 [ADJ]
When the weather is bleak, it is cold, dull, and unpleasant.
The weather can be quite bleak on the coast.
4 [ADJ]
If someone looks or sounds bleak, they look or sound depressed, as if they have no hope or energy.
Alberg gave him a bleak stare.
● bleakly [ADV] usu ADV with v, also ADV adj
`There is nothing left,' she says bleakly.