abject

American  

[ab-jekt, ab-jekt] / ˈæb dʒɛkt, æbˈdʒɛkt /

adjective

1. utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched.

   abject poverty.

   Synonyms:

   miserable, degrading

2. contemptible; despicable; base-spirited.

   an abject coward.

   Synonyms:

   vile, low, mean, base

3. shamelessly servile; slavish.

4. Obsolete. cast aside.

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abject British  

/ ˈæbdʒɛkt /

adjective

1. utterly wretched or hopeless

2. miserable; forlorn; dejected

3. indicating humiliation; submissive

   an abject apology

4. contemptible; despicable; servile

   an abject liar

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Other Word Forms

• abjectedness noun
• abjection noun
• abjectly adverb
• abjectness noun
• unabject adjective
• unabjectly adverb
• unabjectness noun

Etymology

Origin of abject

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin abjectus thrown down (past participle of abicere, abjicere ), equivalent to ab- ab- + -jec- throw + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

"He lived in abject poverty. His home had been destroyed," his son, Wilson Maina Kiambati, told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

Mr. Leon’s staging and Ms. DiDonato’s performance built a compelling arc: The real Christmas miracle is not Amahl’s sudden cure, but the transformation of the Mother’s abject despair into hope.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Kelly’s stint as offensive coordinator was an abject failure: Among 32 NFL teams, Las Vegas is tied for last at 15.0 points per game and is 30th with 268.9 in total yards per game.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

Read Wilson said he initially felt "abject terror" about taking part but is now "feeling excited" about entering the Australian jungle.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

“A characteristic, but not exactly complimentary, congratulation,” returned Laurie, still in an abject attitude, but beaming with satisfaction.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• wretched