Meaning of the word dire in English

What does dire mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

dire

US /daɪr/

UK /daɪr/

extremely serious or urgent

Example:

•

The country is in dire need of aid.

•

The situation is becoming increasingly dire.

Synonym:

urgent critical desperate grave serious

presaging disaster

Example:

•

The dire warnings of the scientists were ignored.

•

He painted a dire picture of the future.

Synonym:

ominous calamitous dreadful grim apocalyptic

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