bleak
UK: bliːk | US: bliːk
adj. 1. (of a landscape or environment) bare, desolate, and lacking in warmth or color.
adj. 2. (of a situation or future prospect) not hopeful or encouraging; grim.
adj. 3. (of weather) cold and dreary.
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The word "bleak" traces back to Old English blāc (shining, white, pale) and Old Norse bleikr (pale, whitish), both derived from Proto-Germanic blaikaz. Originally, it described a pale or exposed appearance, often associated with barren landscapes or harsh weather. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe hopeless situations or grim prospects, reflecting the emotional "coldness" of its literal sense.
The bleak moor stretched endlessly under the gray sky.
The economic forecast for the region looks bleak.
They endured a bleak winter with little sunlight.
His expression turned bleak when he heard the news.
The novel paints a bleak picture of post-war society.