abysmal

adjective

abys·​mal ə-ˈbiz-məl 

a-

1

a

: immeasurably low or wretched : extremely poor or bad

abysmal ignorance/poverty

abysmal living conditions

an abysmal performance

b

: having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward

an abysmal cliff

2

: abyssal sense 2

abysmally

ə-ˈbiz-mə-lē 

a-

adverb

abysmally ignorant

an abysmally poor performance

Synonyms

• deep
• profound

Examples of abysmal in a Sentence

They were living in abysmal ignorance.

a desperate cry echoing from the abysmal reaches of the cave

Recent Examples on the Web

Then consider the litany of other government failures in preventing and responding to natural disasters like wildfires, including abysmal state investment in prevention. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 July 2025

The Rockies' season has been an abysmal showing so far, including being on pace to break the Chicago White Sox record for most losses in a season, which was set last year. —Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

At least Rebirth is more entertaining than the abysmal Dominion. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 5 July 2025

Across the markets, the reaction to the Vietnam trade deal was somewhat muted after an abysmal private-employment report. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

abysm + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for abysmal

• baptismal
• aneurysmal
• paroxysmal
• dismal

Kids Definition

abysmal

adjective

abys·​mal ə-ˈbiz-məl 

1

a

: extremely poor or bad

abysmal living conditions

b

: having an immense extension downward, backward, or inward

2

: abyssal

abysmally

-mə-lē 

adverb