Main Entry: abys·mal

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈbiz-məl, a-\

Function: adjective

Date: circa 1656

1 a : having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward <an abysmal cliff> b : immeasurably great : profound <abysmal ignorance> c : immeasurably low or wretched <abysmal living conditions of the poor>
2 : abyssal 2

— abys·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb