1. A cold, empty, or harsh physical or social setting that lacks warmth, comfort, or hope
The prisoners were kept in a bleak environment with no windows or natural light.
Os prisioneiros eram mantidos em um ambiente desolado sem janelas ou luz natural.
2. A cheerless or gloomy setting or situation
The economic forecast painted a bleak environment for small businesses.
As previsões econômicas pintavam um ambiente desolado para pequenas empresas.