dismal times

USAGE SUMMARY

'dismal times' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time in which things are gloomy, dark, depressing, and disheartening. Example: "The country had been in a state of fear and despair for months, living through dismal times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Those were dismal times.

The Guardian

Still, even this will be mildly morale-boosting for the industry after some dismal times.

The Economist

It is true, Mr. Raines, that government cannot "hire us out of these dismal times".

The New York Times

They fought back and, in a rare uplifting moment in these dismal times, won.

The Guardian - Opinion

And that, in these dismal times, appears to be all that counts.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are dismal times for tobacco lovers, but at least one smoker has put his habit to enterprising use.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It is currently a dismal time to be a saver.

The Guardian - Business

But we see a rather dismal time ahead, with hyper-efficiency, etc.

The New Yorker

And these seem to be falling: hedge funds as a group have had a dismal time this year.

The Economist

He left in 1966 to head the ballet of the Deutsche Oper in Berlin – where he had a dismal time.

The Guardian

"The i360 gives us more grounds for optimism, but Brighton has had a dismal time after city status," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dismal times", ensure the context clearly indicates a period characterized by widespread negativity, hardship, or decline. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or isolated incidents.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal times" to describe situations that are merely disappointing or slightly negative. Reserve it for periods of significant adversity to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal times" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'dismal' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'times'. It describes a specific period characterized by negative or unfavorable conditions, exemplified in Ludwig's examples relating to economic downturns and social hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal times" is a common and correct way to describe periods marked by hardship and negativity. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English to depict gloomy and depressing eras. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent usage in news and media contexts, highlighting economic downturns or social unrest. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's best reserved for truly adverse situations to maintain its impact. Related phrases like "bleak times" or "grim times" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emotional colorations. Therefore, careful attention to context is essential for leveraging the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak times

Replaces "dismal" with "bleak", emphasizing a sense of desolation and lack of hope.

grim times

Substitutes "dismal" with "grim", highlighting the severity and unpleasantness of the period.

hard times

Replaces "dismal" with "hard", focusing on the difficulty and adversity experienced.

difficult times

Substitutes "dismal" with "difficult", underscoring the challenging nature of the period.

troubled times

Replaces "dismal" with "troubled", emphasizing the presence of problems and unrest.

dark days

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe a period of sadness and misfortune.

unhappy times

Substitutes "dismal" with "unhappy", directly stating the lack of joy or contentment.

periods of adversity

Rephrases the concept using more formal language, highlighting the challenging circumstances.

eras of hardship

Replaces both words to elevate the concept, emphasizing suffering and deprivation.

times of woe

Uses more literary language to describe periods of great sorrow or distress.

FAQs

How can I use "dismal times" in a sentence?

"Dismal times" refers to a period characterized by hardship, negativity, or decline. Example: "The economic recession led to "dismal times" for many families."

What are some alternatives to saying "dismal times"?

You can use alternatives like "bleak times", "grim times", or "hard times", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dismal times" in formal writing?

Yes, "dismal times" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing historical or economic downturns. However, consider alternatives like "periods of adversity" for extremely formal contexts.

What connotations does "dismal times" carry?

"Dismal times" carries connotations of sadness, hopelessness, and difficulty. It suggests a period that is not only challenging but also emotionally draining.