Sentence examples similar to A dire exigency from inspiring English sources

Is this really a dire emergency?

A dire day.

"That's a dire need".

They are under a dire, dire threat.

"It is a dire situation.

Davis faced a dire crisis.

"The state is in a dire situation.

These changes had a dire effect.

"That's a dire mistake".

But hospital sources paint a dire picture.

"I am a dire cook.