abysmal

adjective

abys·​mal ə-ˈbiz-məl How to pronounce abysmal (audio)
a-
1
a
: immeasurably low or wretched : extremely poor or bad
abysmal ignorance/poverty
abysmal living conditions
an abysmal performance
b
: having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward
an abysmal cliff
2
abysmally adverb
abysmally ignorant
an abysmally poor performance

Examples of abysmal in a Sentence

They were living in abysmal ignorance. a desperate cry echoing from the abysmal reaches of the cave
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The starters kept their lead steady, running in transition and limiting the Grizzlies to abysmal shooting from behind the arc. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024 The luxury starkly contrasted with the abysmal conditions in the perilously unsafe mines. James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024 They were slated to face three left-handed starting pitchers over seven days, and their abysmal season-long production against left-handers underscored the need for a right-handed bat. Katie Woo, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024 The mid-sized luxury sedan matches its rivals from Audi, BWW and Mercedes-Benz, but its brand recognition is abysmal and its annual sales are low. James Raia, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abysmal 

Word History

Etymology

abysm + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of abysmal was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near abysmal

Cite this Entry

“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abysmal. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

abysmal

adjective
abys·​mal ə-ˈbiz-məl How to pronounce abysmal (audio)
1
a
: extremely poor or bad
abysmal living conditions
b
: having an immense extension downward, backward, or inward
2
abysmally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on abysmal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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