dire
- Extremely serious or urgent, often indicating a situation that requires immediate attention or action. adjectiveThe country is in dire need of food and medical supplies.After the storm, the town was left in dire conditions, with many homes destroyed.
- Causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible. adjectiveThe dire warnings about the consequences of climate change have not been heeded by many.The movie's plot revolves around a dire prophecy that threatens the kingdom.