Collocations for "dire"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "dire" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
dire
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- is in dire need of
- the [family, team, company] is in dire straits
- dire times call for dire measures
- will have dire consequences
- dire predictions [about, of]
- [did not, failed to] heed the dire warnings
- has become a dire situation
- have a dire [financial, economic] situation (on our hands)
- these are dire circumstances
- living in dire poverty
- [issued, posed, meant] a dire threat (to)
- the [food, service, standard] here is dire
'dire' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):