abysmally

adverb

abys·​mal·​ly ə-ˈbiz-mə-lē How to pronounce abysmally (audio) a- How to pronounce abysmally (audio)
Synonyms of abysmallynext
: far down in the scale of acceptability : to an extreme degree : wretchedly, dreadfully
used as a pejorative intensive
abysmally poor
abysmally cynical
abysmally wretched

Word History

Etymology

abysmal + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abysmally was in 1878

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Cite this Entry

“Abysmally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abysmally. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

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