dismal weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal weather" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to a period of cloudy, rainy, and generally dismal weather. Example: The forecast said that we were in for more dismal weather this week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

What about the dismal weather?

The New York Times

The dismal weather had, at least, been useful for something.

The Guardian - Books

The dismal weather brought hope to the team: "Now the fog — we're getting excited".

The New Yorker

But with the dismal weather forecast for Saturday, they may need the lights this year.

The New York Times - Sports

So we got out of there and came home to this dismal weather.

The New York Times

Uber maintains that surge pricing allows it to get more drivers onto the road in dismal weather conditions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But after being criticised for the sluggishness with which they adapted the early-Cameron message to the dismal economic weather, they are hardly likely to dash back to photo-shoots hugging huskies and the like.

The Economist

With long genetic roots in the county, my wife was disappointed to learn that the dismal summer weather has threatened the display of the famous Christmas garland at Cotehele, the National Trust's flagship property in the county.

The Guardian

The tour faced strong opposition from the Central Board for the Protection of Aborigines in Victoria, which feared that the Aboriginal players would struggle to survive the dismal English weather - it turned out to be a good summer, though the tour continued until October.

BBC

They were as dismal as the weather and as soft as the shocking playing surface.

The Guardian - Sport

Britain should gain some respite from the dismal bank holiday weather before further heavy rain and strong winds bring a disappointing end to the long weekend.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "dismal weather", focus on specific effects, such as reduced outdoor activities, mood changes, or economic consequences for weather-dependent industries.

Common error

While "dismal weather" is appropriate for news reports and formal writing, consider using more casual alternatives like "bad weather" or "crappy weather" in informal conversations or personal blogs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal weather" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun (weather) by providing an adjective (dismal) that characterizes its unpleasant or unfavorable condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and accepted usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismal weather" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe unpleasant weather conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is readily accepted in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it's most frequently used in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for conveying information about bad weather. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "dreary weather" or "gloomy weather". When writing about weather, focus on the specific effects, and be mindful of the context; while acceptable, overuse in informal settings might sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreary weather

Emphasizes the dull and depressing nature of the weather.

grim weather

Highlights the severe and unwelcoming aspect of the weather.

gloomy weather

Focuses on the dark and overcast characteristics of the weather.

bleak weather

Stresses the cheerless and exposed feeling of the weather.

depressing weather

Directly addresses the emotional impact of the weather.

unpleasant weather

A more general term for undesirable weather conditions.

foul weather

Emphasizes the disagreeable and offensive nature of the weather.

atrocious weather

Highlights the extremely bad quality of the weather.

severe weather

Indicates harsh and potentially dangerous weather conditions.

bad weather

The most general and common way to describe unfavorable weather.

FAQs

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

You can use "dismal weather" to describe a period of prolonged bad weather. For example, "The festival was canceled due to the "dismal weather" forecast for the weekend."

What's a more formal way to say "dismal weather"?

More formal alternatives to "dismal weather" include "inclement weather" or "adverse weather conditions", which are often used in official reports or announcements.

What are some common effects of "dismal weather"?

"Dismal weather" can lead to various effects, such as decreased tourism, increased indoor activities, and a general decline in mood. It can also affect transportation and agriculture.

Which is the correct: "dismal weather" or "dismal climate"?

"Dismal weather" refers to short-term conditions, while "dismal climate" describes long-term average weather patterns. Choose the phrase that best fits the time frame you are describing.