bleak

bleak · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (Of an area) lacking vegetation and exposed to the elements.

  2. 2.

    (Of the weather) cold and dreary.

  3. 3.

    (Of the future or a situation) not hopeful or encouraging.

  4. 4.

    (Of a person or expression) cold and unwelcoming.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bleak house — A gloomy, unwelcoming place.
  • •
    bleak outlook — A pessimistic view of the future.
  • •
    bleak midwinter — The coldest part of winter.

Related words

Antonyms: bright, cheerful, hopeful
See also: desolate, dreary, grim, hopeless
Synonyms: desolate, dismal, grim

Etymology

From Old Norse bleikr ("pale, white"), related to Old English blāc ("shining, pale").