Synonyms of abysmal

abysmal

adjective

ə-ˈbiz-məl 

1

as in terrible

extremely unsatisfactory

The coach apologized for the abysmal performance of the team in the loss.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• terrible
• horrible
• poor
• awful
• dismal
• atrocious
• bad
• lousy
• wretched
• rotten
• sucky
• execrable
• inadequate
• flawed
• defective
• substandard
• shameful
• insufficient
• deficient
• mediocre
• miserable
• inferior
• lacking
• punk
• contemptible
• worthless
• useless
• faulty
• off
• wanting
• reprehensible
• abominable
• low-grade
• odious
• valueless
• damnable
• bum
• vile
• second-rate
• fiendish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• great
• excellent
• wonderful
• marvelous
• superior
• exceptional
• prime
• adequate
• first-class
• sufficient
• choice
• premium
• bitchin'
• acceptable
• satisfactory
• first-rate

2

as in deep

extending far downward

Strange sounds echoed from the abysmal reaches of the cave.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deep
• profound
• vast
• bottomless
• unfathomable
• endless
• immeasurable
• infinite
• inestimable
• limitless
• unlimited
• abyssal
• boundless
• measureless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• surface
• superficial
• shallow
• limited
• level
• smooth
• flat
• even
• skin-deep
• depthless
• horizontal
• confined
• shoal
• two-dimensional
• finite
• restricted
• flush
• plane
• measured

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abysmal

Although the stock market continues to smash through record highs, research suggests that consumer sentiment—how confident people feel about their own finances and about the economy—is abysmal. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026

And the suddenly competitive division rave has been one of the league's biggest storylines after an abysmal opening month for the Phillies hit its lowest point in an early-season series against the Braves. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

After shooting an abysmal 1-for-8 from the 3-point line in Saturday’s loss to the Aces, Burton hit two of her seven attempts from deep and was 7-of-15 from the field. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026