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Definition of dismally

dismally

/ˈdɪz.mə.li/
dis · mal · ly
Adjective:dismal
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dismally Lexical Profile

dismally Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a very poor, pitiful, or unsuccessful manner; to a disgracefully low standard.

Example

"The new marketing campaign failed dismally to attract younger customers."

2

In a gloomy, dreary, or depressing manner.

Example

"The rain poured down dismally all afternoon, keeping the children indoors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for dismally

• Nearby Words

disloyally
disloyalty
dismal
dismally
dismalness
dismantle
dismantlement

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'dismal' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The root 'dismal' derives from the Anglo-Norman phrase 'dis mal', from Medieval Latin 'dies mali' meaning 'evil or unlucky days', referring to two specific days in each month of the medieval calendar believed to be unfavorable.

Cite this Entry

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