Abysmal

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /əˈbɪz.mlÌ©/
• US IPA: /əˈbɪz.mlÌ©/
• Rhymes: -ɪsmÉ™l

Origin

abysm + -al

Full definition of abysmal

Adjective

1. (now rare) Pertaining to, or resembling an abyss; unending; profound; fathomless; immeasurable. First attested in the mid 17^th century.
• CarlyleGeology gives one the same abysmal extent of time that astronomy does of space. First attested in the early 19^th century.

1. (figurative, colloquial) Bottomless; extremely bad.
• 2012, June 9, Owen Phillips, Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark, Robben curled an effort against the foot of the post from the edge of the box after being gifted the ball by an abysmal clearance from keeper Stephan Andersen.

Usage notes

Nouns to which "abysmal" is often applied: ignorance, record, performance, poverty, conditions, quality, perplexity, result.