Vocabulary Spotlight
Abysmal
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Extremely bad or of very low quality; also refers to something that seems deep or profound.
“The service at the new restaurant was abysmal, leading many customers to leave early.”
Pronunciation
[uh-biz-muhl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Dreadful
Horrible
Appalling
Awful
Antonyms
Good
Admirable
Outstanding
Exceptional
Related Words
Abyssal (adjective)
Word Origin
“Abysmal” derives from the late Latin word “abyssimus,” meaning “bottomless.” Over time, the meaning evolved in English to represent extreme depths, whether literal or figurative, such as in very poor quality or profound depths.
Word Family
Noun: Abyss – A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.
Adjective: Abyssal – Pertaining to the great depths of the ocean or anything immensely deep.
Mnemonics
Think of “a-bysm” — something “a bysm(al)” is at the bottom or worst possible level.
Industry-specific Usage
Business
In business, an abysmal quarter reflects extremely poor performance, often requiring major strategic shifts.
Education
Abysmal test scores indicate a very low level of understanding or proficiency among students.
Environmental Science
Abyssal zones in oceanography refer to the deep ocean layers with extreme conditions, underscoring abysmal as something vastly deep or profound.
In Context
Abysmal is often used to describe very poor conditions or standards, such as in service quality, performance, or test scores. It implies something at the lowest conceivable level, evoking a sense of disappointment or failure.