abysmal

American  

[uh-biz-muhl] / əˈbɪz məl /

adjective

1. of or like an abyss; immeasurably deep or great.

2. extremely or hopelessly bad or severe.

   abysmal ignorance; abysmal poverty.

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abysmal British  

/ əˈbɪzməl /

adjective

1. immeasurable; very great

   abysmal stupidity

2. informal extremely bad

   an abysmal film

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Other Word Forms

• abysmally adverb
• ultra-abysmal adjective

Etymology

Origin of abysmal

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

Explanation

If you want to say something is really, really bad — then call it abysmal. If one person shows up to your party, well then that is an abysmal turnout. The 1958 Ford Edsel? An abysmal failure. When someone describes the hole you just dug as abysmal, you may not know whether to take it as positive or negative feedback. That's because starting in the 1650s, abysmal simply meant “resembling an abyss in depth.” By that definition you've just received a compliment on your deep digging skills. But since the early twentieth century, abysmal has been more commonly used to identify something as "extremely bad." So it's more likely that your hole has just been insulted.

Example Sentences

For the rest of the time, the returns were abysmal.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

But the last four years, beginning when the Fed started raising rates, have been abysmal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

Two years ago, the Bruins were headed for what looked like a truly abysmal season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Because he faces an abysmal Wolves side, has no competition for a starting spot and has scored five goals in three games, Ekitike gets the captain's armband this week.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

Ration card restrictions, abysmal puddings, the deteriorating quality of fingernail varnish—these are crimes they feel in their souls.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr