Abysmal

Abysmal is an adjective that is used to describe something extremely bad or appalling. The term is often used in various contexts to emphasize the severity of a negative situation or condition.

Etymology

The word "abysmal" is derived from the Latin word abyssus, which means "bottomless" or "profound." It was later adopted into Middle English as abisme and eventually evolved into the modern term "abysmal."

Usage

The term "abysmal" is commonly used in both everyday language and formal writing to describe situations, conditions, or performances that are exceptionally poor. For example:

• An abysmal performance in a sports event.
• Abysmal living conditions in certain areas.
• An abysmal failure in an academic examination.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for "abysmal" include:

• Terrible
• Horrendous
• Appalling
• Dreadful
• Atrocious

Antonyms

Antonyms for "abysmal" include:

• Excellent
• Outstanding
• Superb
• Remarkable
• Exceptional

Related Terms

• Abyss: A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.
• Abyssal plain: A flat or gently sloping area of the deep ocean basin.

Examples in Literature

The term "abysmal" has been used in various works of literature to convey extreme negativity or depth. For instance, in Charles Dickens's novels, characters often describe their dire circumstances as abysmal.

See Also

• Despair
• Failure
• Negativity
• Pessimism