abysmal

[ uh-biz-muhl ]

adjective

1. of or like an abyss; immeasurably deep or great.
2. extremely or hopelessly bad or severe:

   abysmal ignorance; abysmal poverty.

abysmal

/ əˈbɪzməl /

adjective

1. immeasurable; very great

   abysmal stupidity

2. informal.
   extremely bad

   an abysmal film

Derived Forms

• aˈbysmally, adverb

Other Words From

• a·bysmal·ly adverb
• ultra-a·bysmal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abysmal¹

First recorded in 1650–60; abysm + -al ¹

Example Sentences

With that in mind, I’m starting to organize a network of political operatives, influencers, journalists, donors, scholars, activists and aspirants for office who are eager to replace the Democrats’ abysmal messaging with a strategy that wins.

From Salon

The Bruins held the Razorbacks to shooting 28% from the field and an abysmal 18% from three-point range.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump takes this gaslighting to new levels, and the media’s abysmal treatment of Joe Biden’s remarkable record offered him a big assist.

From Salon

The NDC has decried this as an "abysmal performance" and has demanded a reset.

From BBC

In a district facing a massive budget crisis and often abysmal test scores, students also had questions about school funding, campus safety, mental health, and college and career preparation support.

From Los Angeles Times