Bleak

Bleak describes a situation or environment that is unwelcoming, desolate, and often depressing. It suggests a lack of hope, warmth, or cheerfulness, often associated with harsh conditions, emptiness, or a pessimistic outlook.

It can refer to a physical setting, a state of mind, or a future prospect, all conveying a sense of barrenness and despair.

The word typically paints a picture of starkness, severity, and a lack of comfort or positivity, leaving the impression of something unappealing and discouraging.

Bleak meaning with examples

• The landscape was bleak, with barren trees and a chilling wind, making the hike a miserable experience for everyone. The sky was a dull gray.
• After the economic downturn, the job market offered a bleak prospect for recent graduates, with few opportunities in sight for them.
• His mood was bleak after the disappointing loss, and he struggled to find any optimism or positivity within himself for some time.
• The abandoned factory stood as a bleak reminder of the town's industrial decline, a stark visual manifestation of a hard time for many there.
• Despite the beauty of nature's design, the bleak season painted a dismal picture, with short days and long nights that felt depressing to her.