abysmal

[ uh-biz-muhl ]

adjective

1. of or like an abyss; immeasurably deep or great.
2. extremely or hopelessly bad or severe:

   abysmal ignorance; abysmal poverty.

abysmal

/ əˈbɪzməl /

adjective

1. immeasurable; very great

   abysmal stupidity

2. informal.
   extremely bad

   an abysmal film

Derived Forms

• aˈbysmally, adverb

Other Words From

• a·bysmal·ly adverb
• ultra-a·bysmal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abysmal¹

First recorded in 1650–60; abysm + -al ¹

Example Sentences

During the campaign Trump said that he knew “nothing about” Project 2025 and that he found some of its ideas “absolutely ridiculous and abysmal.”

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump takes this gaslighting to new levels, and the media’s abysmal treatment of Joe Biden’s remarkable record offered him a big assist.

From Salon

The NDC has decried this as an "abysmal performance" and has demanded a reset.

From BBC

In a district facing a massive budget crisis and often abysmal test scores, students also had questions about school funding, campus safety, mental health, and college and career preparation support.

From Los Angeles Times

And given his abysmal record on the environment, it’s clear that if Republican nominee Trump wins, it will be incredibly difficult to curb fossil fuel emissions.

From Salon