dire 
/ˈdajɚ/ adjective
dir·er; dir·est /ˈdajɚ/ adjective [or more dire; most dire] 1 : very bad : causing great fear or worry
▪ Even the smallest mistake could have dire [=terrible, dreadful] consequences. ▪ a dire emergency ▪ The circumstances are now more dire than ever. ▪ With its best player out of the game, the team found itself in dire straits. [=in a very bad or difficult situation] ▪ The company now finds itself in dire financial straits. [=the company is having bad financial problems] 2 : warning of disaster : showing a very bad future
▪ Some analysts are issuing dire economic forecasts. ▪ a dire prediction/warning 3 a : requiring immediate action : very urgent
▪ The government is in dire [=desperate] need of reform. ▪ dire necessity
b : very serious or extreme
▪ They live in dire poverty.
▪ Even the smallest mistake could have dire [=terrible, dreadful] consequences. ▪ a dire emergency ▪ The circumstances are now more dire than ever. ▪ With its best player out of the game, the team found itself in dire straits. [=in a very bad or difficult situation] ▪ The company now finds itself in dire financial straits. [=the company is having bad financial problems]
▪ Some analysts are issuing dire economic forecasts. ▪ a dire prediction/warning
▪ The government is in dire [=desperate] need of reform. ▪ dire necessity
b : very serious or extreme
▪ They live in dire poverty.
