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Definition of direness

direness

/ˈdaɪ.ɚ.nəs/
dire · ness
Adverb:direly
•
Adjective:dire
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direness Lexical Profile

direness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being extremely serious, urgent, or dreadful; acute gravity or severity.

Example

"The relief coordinator emphasized the direness of the water shortage in the drought-stricken province."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for direness

• Nearby Words

directory
directrix
direly
direness
dirge
dirham
dirk

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the adjective "dire" (derived from Latin dirus, meaning "fearful" or "ominous") combined with the native noun-forming suffix "-ness."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Direness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/direness
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