The word dire is often found in conjunction with straits; in dire straits is used of a situation that is very bad or difficult.

Dire refers to situations or events that cause great fear and worry. A dire calamity causes much suffering.

DIRE definition: causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible. See examples of dire used in a sentence.

If your financial situation is dire to the point of not being able to feed yourself, take the $30 in cash and buy groceries.

Definition of dire adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. causing or involving great fear or suffering; terrible. 2. indicating trouble, disaster, or the like: dire predictions. 3. urgent; desperate: in dire need.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 dire (dīə r), adj., dir•er, dir•est. causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible: a dire calamity. indicating …

Feb 8, 2026 · Dire qu'on fait des cookies, c'est bien, mais il faut ensuite les partager. (American saying) ― To say that one is making some cookies, it is good, but it is then necessary to share them.

Dire definition: Warning of or having dreadful or terrible consequences; calamitous.

One of the most intelligent and original bands of their era, Dire Straits were the creation of writer/guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler and bassist John Illsley, blending blues, country and rock...