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 Word Forms

• 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

“I wouldn’t call it apocalyptic, but I would call it abysmal, so I guess it’s a step up,” he said with a laugh.

From Los Angeles Times

"Her ratings were abysmal and Oprah cancelled her on Friday night. When will media executives learn that Rosie just hasn’t got it?"

From Salon

His abysmal finishing will probably cost Slot's team a league title this season.

From BBC

"So I sound a bit like I have pretences, putting on airs for a while. It's abysmal for a while," she laughed.

From BBC

And, as if they do not give opponents, not just those as truly abysmal as West Ham United, enough to worry about, Slot can also introduce the man who is arguably Liverpool's most clinical finisher.

From BBC