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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 His record on Palestinian matters on the whole is, however, abysmal. — David Shulman, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026 Bass placed first in the primary with 34% of the vote — an abysmal number for a Democratic incumbent in a deep blue city. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 This is not worth a 5-year contract worth $10 million per season, and those within the athletic department are well-aware of what could happen if UNC puts together back-to-back abysmal seasons. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 And the gender discourse is abysmal, especially in the villages. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Aug. 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
  • As a rookie, the Pats lost plenty, but that was with a terrible roster around him.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The company reported another terrible quarter and cut its full-year outlook for the second time in three months.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • Many athletes are motivated by a deep hatred of losing, more so than a love of winning.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • There’s also a deep respect for craftsmanship—from marble carving, for which the Cyclades are famous, to fishing, farming, and handmade work.
    — Chadner Navarro, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.
    — Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • That’s why the emotion inside that quick hug felt so profound.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers have published findings that reveal key biological insights into profound autism and offer new targets for drug development.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • The following season, Chelsea topped their Champions League group, but poor Premier League form saw Mourinho sacked in mid-December.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Many are in poor shape, with thin, uninsulated walls, leaky windows, old or broken swamp coolers and electrical systems that can't always handle air conditioners.
    — Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • To Morrison, as well as to the filmmakers, this awful backstory makes something cathartic of his accomplishment.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • So the fact that there was this whole section of gay actors who weren’t allowed to do that is awful.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • Texas lost on the road to Ohio State early in the season, sure, but also lost to a dismal 4-8 Florida team, were blown out by the Georgia Bulldogs, and struggled to close overtime wins against bad Kentucky and Mississippi State teams.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Over the 28 years since its release, the original Practical Magic, despite its dismal reviews and middling box-office reception, has accrued a sentimental affection from fans.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismal
Adjective
  • The Leeds forward line was helped by Newcastle’s atrocious defending and another weak clearance led to a fourth goal after 59 minutes, Noah Okafor slapping his low strike through a sea of legs into the far corner.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Stewart, Why are Fox, CBS, & NBC allowing the Big Ten to have an atrocious week of scheduling?
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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