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

Jones hit 35 home runs in the minors this season, but his contact rates continue to be abysmal. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

The Lakers were outscored 37-8 in the fourth quarter, and Redick spoke about the abysmal frame following the preseason loss. —Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

Run defense still abysmal Another week, another backup running back exposes the Dolphins’ defense. —Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025

The New York Jets failed to inspire their fan base on Sunday and, instead, put them through another abysmal performance. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 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