Synonyms of abject

abject

adjective

ˈab-ˌjekt 

as in humble

showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness

demanded nothing less than an abject apology from them

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humble
• servile
• meek
• slavish
• menial
• base
• sheepish
• hangdog
• lowly
• modest
• sycophantic
• unassuming
• lamblike
• fawning
• retiring
• unpretentious
• demure
• sycophant
• toadyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• superior
• arrogant
• haughty
• supercilious
• imperious
• lordly
• uppity
• high-handed

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective abject differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abject are ignoble, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than abject?

In some situations, the words ignoble and abject are roughly equivalent. However, ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When is it sensible to use mean instead of abject?

While in some cases nearly identical to abject, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When would sordid be a good substitute for abject?

Although the words sordid and abject have much in common, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abject

Saudi Arabia’s catastrophic military intervention in Yemen from 2015 to 2022 ended in abject failure by all accounts, exposing the kingdom as the paper tiger of the Middle East. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026

Smith, at least, should provide an upgrade over Justin Fields, who was an abject disaster. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 16 July 2026

Team Green’s other attempts to rally seem destined for abject failure, but are fun to watch. — The Editors, Vulture, 10 July 2026

The president ran on ending wars, but for the last 15 weeks, his choices have been nothing more than an abject failure. — The Editorial Board, Daily News, 25 June 2026

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