What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dismal
Example
The weather was so dismal that we decided to stay indoors. [dismal: adjective]
Example
The team's performance was dismal, and they lost the game. [dismal: adjective]
dreary
Example
The office was dreary and lacked any personality. [dreary: adjective]
Example
The movie was so dreary that I fell asleep halfway through. [dreary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dreary is more commonly used than dismal in everyday language. Dreary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dismal is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dismal and dreary?
Both dismal and dreary are associated with a casual and informal tone, but dismal may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage and more serious connotation.
