abysmal

adjective

ə-ˈbiz-məl How to pronounce abysmal (audio)
Definition of abysmalnext
1
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory The coach apologized for the abysmal performance of the team in the loss.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deep
extending far downward Strange sounds echoed from the abysmal reaches of the cave.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of abysmal Clark, in and out of the lineup because of a back injury all season, never got going and was an abysmal minus-16. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Many of these countries are well known for horrific human rights abuses, lack of justice and abysmal detention conditions. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Remember, this is the same team that fired their manager two months ago after an abysmal start. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 Ainge believes the Jazz can improve greatly on last year’s abysmal 22-60 record. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal
  1. terrible
  2. deep
  3. horrible
  4. profound
  5. poor
  6. awful
  7. dismal
  8. atrocious
Adjective
  • My scheduler needed no prompting to tell me the system was terrible.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • During that terrible season, 71% of California Dungeness boats stopped fishing and more than 200 jobs were lost.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • The pair ended practice with a touchdown off a deep toss from Young to McMillan with Jackson, again, in coverage.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • But the Chinese way will cause a proliferation of talent, usage, data—until something horrible happens.
    — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Badgers have had horrible injury luck, which has led to bad QB play the past few years.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • The film delves into Peter's profound isolation and responsibility, featuring emotional reunions and a mind-controlling villain.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The ship’s laboratory experienced profound changes as well – including both its placement on the vessel and the actual space.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Covid-19 wasn’t immediately recognized as a disease with airborne transmission with the potential to spread beyond the 6-foot social distancing measure, especially in places with poor ventilation or around activities with heavy breathing.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Crepe myrtles may not bloom due to poor pruning, low light, watering issues, weak soil, or pests.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • So kudos to the extras who steal scenes from them in the background, flailing like avant-garde dancers when a vicious mental parasite leaps from grandmothers to joggers to security guards on a quest to find something awful.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • The experts and the betting odds expect futility on the field, something close to awful.
    — Greg Cote July 27, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • The latest executive orders come as the president has faced dismal approval ratings in recent weeks, and the war in Iran has driven up energy prices.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Over the winter, the state’s snowpack topped out at a dismal, historic low.
    — Evan Bush, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of dismal
Adjective
  • With each successive win, the Boston Red Sox have put their atrocious start to the season further behind them, but this weekend at Dodger Stadium has felt different.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The trailers looked awful, with a predictably sloppy anti-hero feel, atrocious visual effects, and an uninteresting plot and villain.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of atrocious

Browse Nearby Words

abysm
abysmal
abysmally
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Cite this Entry

“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of abysmal for Spanish Speakers

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