abysmal
What does "abysmal" mean?
The word "abysmal" describes something that is extremely bad, appalling, or of a very low standard. It stems from the word "abyss," conjuring an image of something so deep and bottomless that it feels like a dark, hopeless pit of failure or incompetence. In terms of usage, it is a strong, emphatic adjective used to express deep dissatisfaction or severe disappointment. It is often used to describe performance, quality, or weather conditions. Because it carries such a heavy, negative weight, it is generally reserved for situations where "bad" or "terrible" simply isn't strong enough.
"abysmal" in conversation
Discussing a failed project
Did you see the final report for the marketing campaign?
Did you see the final report for the marketing campaign?
Yes, the results were absolutely abysmal.
Yes, the results were absolutely abysmal.
I didn't think it was possible to miss the target by that much.
I didn't think it was possible to miss the target by that much.
Used here to emphasize a catastrophic failure.
Complaining about the weather
Are you still planning to go for a run?
Are you still planning to go for a run?
Not in this weather, it's abysmal out there.
Not in this weather, it's abysmal out there.
Commonly used to describe harsh or miserable conditions.
"abysmal" in a sentence
The service at the restaurant was abysmal.
The service at the restaurant was abysmal.
His abysmal performance in the exam surprised everyone.
His abysmal performance in the exam surprised everyone.
The company suffered from an abysmal lack of communication, leading to project failure.
The company suffered from an abysmal lack of communication, leading to project failure.
