Crossword Genius

To fade away outright is terrible! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dire

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'is terrible' is the definition.
(synonyms)

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(Other definitions for dire that I've seen before include "Fearful" , "Ominous; very bad" , "to speak (13) [FRENCH]" , "Desperate, horrendous" , "Extremely serious or urgent" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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