Word: dire
Phonetic:
/ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/
Listen:
Warning of bad consequences: ill-boding; portentous. Example: dire omens
Requiring action to prevent bad consequences: urgent, pressing. Example: dire need
Expressing bad consequences: dreadful; dismal Example: dire consequences; to be in dire straits
Bad in quality, awful, terrible.
You can find a list of possible crossword clues for DIRE below.