abysmal
adjective
abys·mal
ə-ˈbiz-məl 
a-
1
a
: immeasurably low or wretched : extremely poor or bad
abysmal ignorance/poverty
abysmal living conditions
an abysmal performance
b
: having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward
an abysmal cliff
2
Examples of abysmal in a Sentence
They were living in abysmal ignorance.
a desperate cry echoing from the abysmal reaches of the cave
Recent Examples on the Web
And while cost plays a role, at least one study found that even when drugs are free, adherence can be abysmal.
—
Gina Kolata, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
However, no other party scored higher—a reflection of the abysmal state of Palestinian politics.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2024
Volumes were abysmal again at just 46% of the 1-year average, though that will change on Monday when China re-opens.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
And while the reviews for the show were abysmal — thanks in large part to the hosting job by Jo Koy — the ratings were up and the guest list was wildly impressive.
—Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2024
Statewide, early voter turnout has been a bit abysmal as well.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Mar. 2024
After shooting 12-of-22 at the line practically lost IU the game at Illinois on Saturday, the Hoosiers had another abysmal outing at the charity stripe.
—Zion Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Jan. 2024
In my tenure alone, Penn has made headlines for abysmal Covid policies, the discovery of classified Biden-administration documents, anonymous donations from Chinese adversaries.
—Lexi Boccuzzi, National Review, 9 Mar. 2024
The Jayhawks went an abysmal 5-for-14 (35.7%) on layups in the first half alone.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024
Gina Kolata, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
However, no other party scored higher—a reflection of the abysmal state of Palestinian politics.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2024
Volumes were abysmal again at just 46% of the 1-year average, though that will change on Monday when China re-opens.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
And while the reviews for the show were abysmal — thanks in large part to the hosting job by Jo Koy — the ratings were up and the guest list was wildly impressive.
—Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2024
Statewide, early voter turnout has been a bit abysmal as well.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Mar. 2024
After shooting 12-of-22 at the line practically lost IU the game at Illinois on Saturday, the Hoosiers had another abysmal outing at the charity stripe.
—Zion Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Jan. 2024
In my tenure alone, Penn has made headlines for abysmal Covid policies, the discovery of classified Biden-administration documents, anonymous donations from Chinese adversaries.
—Lexi Boccuzzi, National Review, 9 Mar. 2024
The Jayhawks went an abysmal 5-for-14 (35.7%) on layups in the first half alone.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abysmal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near abysmal
Cite this Entry
“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abysmal. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abysmal
adjective
abys·mal
ə-ˈbiz-məl
1
: resembling an abyss in huge extent
abysmal ignorance
2
: abyssal
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