abysmal

adjective

abys·​mal ə-ˈbiz-məl How to pronounce abysmal (audio)
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
abysmally adverb
abysmally ignorant
an abysmally poor performance

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for abysmal

Word History

Etymology

abysm + -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of abysmal was circa 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abysmal. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

abysmal

adjective
abys·​mal ə-ˈbiz-məl How to pronounce abysmal (audio)
1
a
: extremely poor or bad
abysmal living conditions
b
: having an immense extension downward, backward, or inward
2
abysmally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on abysmal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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