Main Entry: ab·ject

Pronunciation: \ˈab-ˌjekt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin abjectus, from past participle of abicere to cast off, from ab- + jacere to throw — more at jet

Date: 15th century

1 : sunk to or existing in a low state or condition <to lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fallen — John Milton>
2 a : cast down in spirit : servile, spiritless <a man made abject by suffering> b : showing hopelessness or resignation <abject surrender>
3 : expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit <abject flattery> <an abject apology>

synonyms see mean

— ab·ject·ly \ˈab-ˌjek(t)-lē, ab-ˈ\ adverb

— ab·ject·ness \-ˌjek(t)-nəs, -ˈjek(t)-\ noun