abysmal

abys·mal

adj \ə-ˈbiz-məl, a-\

Definition of ABYSMAL

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

Examples of ABYSMAL

1. They were living in abysmal ignorance.
2. <a desperate cry echoing from the abysmal reaches of the cave>

First Known Use of ABYSMAL

circa 1656

Related to ABYSMAL

Synonyms: deep, bottomless, profound

Antonyms: shallow, shoal, skin-deep, superficial, surface

Related Words: abyssal, unfathomable; boundless, endless, immeasurable, inestimable, infinite, limitless, measureless, unlimited, vast

Near Antonyms: depthless, two-dimensional; even, flat, flush, horizontal, level, plane, smooth; confined, finite, limited, measured, restricted

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with ABYSMAL

baptismal