Grim Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of GRIM

1

:

unpleasant or shocking to see or think about

• Hikers made a grim discovery when they came across a dead body in the woods.
• The accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.

2

:

causing feelings of sadness or worry

:

gloomy or depressing

• a grim winter
• The prognosis is _grim_—doctors do not expect her to live longer than six months.
• He paints a grim picture of the prospects for peace.

3

:

having a very serious appearance or manner

• His face looked grim, and we knew his news wouldn't be good.
• a grim smile
• a grim taskmaster

4

:

strongly felt and serious

• grim determination

• She spoke grimly of the scarcity of jobs.

— grimness

noun

[noncount]