Learn how to use the comparative “bleaker” and superlative “bleakest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “bleaker”?

The comparative form of “bleaker” is “bleaker”.

Example

The situation is bleaker now than it was before.

Example

Her prospects for finding a job are bleaker than ever.

What is the superlative form of “bleaker”?

The superlative form of “bleaker” is “bleakest”.

Example

Among all the possible outcomes, this is the bleakest one.

Example

The winter in this region is known for being the bleakest.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

Most and more are generally not used with bleak, bleaker, and bleakest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more bleak' and 'most bleak' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, bleaker and bleakest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Bleak does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: BleakBleaker Superlative: BleakBleakest

Expressions with similar meanings to “bleaker”

Used to describe something that is more gloomy or depressing

Example

The drearier weather matched her mood perfectly.

Used to indicate something that is more serious or severe

Example

The grimmer reality of the situation started to sink in.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased emptiness or loneliness

Example

The more desolate the landscape became, the more she longed for company.

Expressions with similar meanings to “bleakest”

Similar to bleakest, this emphasizes a sense of gloominess or depression

Example

The dreariest part of the day is when the sun sets early.

Used to describe the highest level of seriousness or severity

Example

The grimmest scenario is if we don't take immediate action.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of emptiness or loneliness

Example

The most desolate place on earth is the barren desert.

Using than with comparative “bleaker”

When using the comparative form bleaker to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "His outlook is bleaker than hers." Here, than is used to show that the level of bleakness in 'his' outlook is greater than the level of bleakness in 'hers'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“bleaker” and “bleakest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Weather

    The sky became bleaker as the storm approached.

    The sky became bleaker as the storm approached.

  • 2Economic Conditions

    The job market is looking bleaker with each passing day.

    The job market is looking bleaker with each passing day.

  • 3Landscapes

    The abandoned town had a bleak and desolate atmosphere.

    The abandoned town had a bleak and desolate atmosphere.

  • 4Outlooks

    His future seemed bleaker after he lost his job.

    His future seemed bleaker after he lost his job.

  • 5Emotions

    She felt her mood becoming bleakest as the days went by.

    She felt her mood becoming bleakest as the days went by.

Related idioms and phrases

In the doldrums

Feeling low or lacking energy; in a state of stagnation or depression.

Example

Ever since he lost his job, he's been in the doldrums.

Dark cloud on the horizon

A sign or indication of trouble or difficulty ahead.

Example

The company's financial struggles are a dark cloud on the horizon.

Down in the dumps

Feeling sad or depressed.

Example

She's been down in the dumps ever since her pet passed away.

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