Definition

Extremely bad or poor in quality; something that is very deep or profound.

Example

The team's performance in the last game was abysmal, leading to their defeat.

Conversation

Did you see the game last night?

Yeah, it was abysmal!

I know, right? I expected way better from the team.

Same here! It felt like they weren't even trying.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abysmal is formed from "abyss" (from Latin "abyssus", meaning bottomless pit or depth) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "abysmal" refers to something that is related to or resembling an abyss, often used to describe something extremely bad or of very low quality.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'abyss' which means a bottomless depth, and remember that 'abysmal' describes something that is as bad as being in a deep, dark pit.

Visually Confused Words