Words / B1

GRIM/ɡrɪm/

Grim means very serious, unpleasant, or hopeless: grim figures; a grim warning. Bleak is a close twin for outlooks. Harsh is more about severity of treatment. Do not use grim for a mildly boring Monday. Waiting-list figures looked grim after the winter surge.

Meaning

Very serious and unpleasant; also looking hopeless.

Examples

• “The waiting-list figures looked grim after the winter surge.”
• “The forecast was grim, which is the outlook sense — bleak is a close twin.”

Good to know

grim figures / news / warning. Close (outlook): bleak. Treatment: harsh. Not a dull Tuesday. NHS waiting lists.

Near in meaning

bleak

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