/ˈdaɪər/
dire
BrE /ˈdaɪə(r)/
NAmE /ˈdaɪər/
(direr, dir·est)
[usually before noun] (formal)
very serious
living in dire poverty
dire warnings/threats
Such action may have dire consequences.
We’re in dire need of your help.
The firm is in dire straits (= in a very difficult situation) and may go bankrupt.
(BrE, informal)
very bad
The acting was dire.