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 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 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
  • Why do some people stay in terrible, horrible, no good, very bad jobs?
    — Joseph Kim, NPR, 22 July 2026
  • Three years ago, Victor Wembanyama was terrible, and Houston’s Cam Whitmore won Summer MVP.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • Both areas have deep sediment soil that sit atop alluvial valleys.
    — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • Even a deep black pencil can feel softer and more natural because the pigment doesn’t sit as sharply on top of the skin.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • 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
  • Aemond raves about his horrible older brother who spent their youth tormenting him.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Now, Prime Minister Shah, the world’s youngest head of government, faces profound challenges in accelerating economic growth and delivering on his mandate.
    — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Something profound is unfolding behind the scenes in your life.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 July 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Headline figures such as tasks completed, queries handled or hours saved can look impressive while concealing errors, rework, poor customer outcomes and escalating operating expenses.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Habits like poor sleep, heavy drinking and smoking often make things worse, and work pressure, financial strain and caring for aging parents can compound the effects.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • The optics of continuing to play a seven-day tournament for roughly $4 million in prize money at the same event where men were playing across 12 days for up to $12 million would have been awful.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • From Jeffrey’s team, Chloe’s remade dress, with an off-the-shoulder top and an awful mesh corset patch tied with a blue ribbon, is universally hated by the judges.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • Typically, manufacturing these diamond processors has been inefficient, with industry conversion yields hovering around a dismal one percent to 10 percent.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • The dismal winter snowpack that resulted in a disappointing ski season has now translated to statewide drought.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of dismal
Adjective
  • 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
  • The heat was punishing, the aesthetic was strictly corporate and the soccer itself was deeply atrocious.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 June 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of abysmal for Spanish Speakers

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