Nelson-Denny Practice Test

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Enhance your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills with the Nelson-Denny test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Ensure your success with detailed explanations and insights!

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Which adjective best represents a gloomy or bleak situation?

Dismal
Industrious
Fallacious
Diligent

The correct answer is: Dismal

The adjective that best represents a gloomy or bleak situation is "dismal." This term conveys a sense of darkness, sadness, or lack of hope, which is characteristic of gloomy circumstances. For example, a dismal day might involve overcast skies and a cold atmosphere, leading to feelings of despondency or melancholy. Industrious refers to being hardworking and productive, which does not capture any sense of gloom or bleakness. Fallacious means based on a mistaken belief or misleading, and while it can imply negativity, it does not specifically denote gloominess. Diligent describes a careful and persistent effort, which is positive and does not align with the concept of a bleak situation. Thus, "dismal" distinctly evokes the feelings and characteristics associated with gloom.