Definition

The condition of being very sad, gloomy, or depressing.

Example

The dismalness of the weather made everyone feel down.

Conversation

I’ve been feeling a bit down lately.

Really? What’s been bothering you?

It’s just this overall sense of dismalness that I can’t shake off.

I understand — sometimes talking about it helps.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dismalness → It is formed from "dismal" (from Old French *desmal*, meaning unfortunate or ill-fated) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "dismalness" refers to the state of being dismal or gloomy.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'dismal' meaning unfortunate or gloomy, and remember that 'dismalness' describes the quality of being in that gloomy state.

Visually Confused Words