What does abysmal mean?
"Abysmal" is an adjective describing something extremely bad — so bad that it seems to have no bottom, much like the abyss from which the word takes its name. It is most often applied to performances, results, services, weather, or conditions that are shockingly poor: an abysmal exam score, abysmal working conditions, or an abysmal failure. The word carries a strong negative connotation and is common in everyday speech, journalism, and criticism, where it conveys not mere disappointment but outright dismay. A second, older sense — relating to an actual abyss or immeasurable depth — survives mainly in literary contexts. Derived from the Greek "abyssos" (bottomless) via Latin and French, "abysmal" entered English in the early nineteenth century. Its adverbial form, "abysmally," allows the word to describe verbs as well, as in "abysmally low turnout." For anyone needing a vivid way to express that something could hardly be worse, "abysmal" is one of the strongest and most widely understood options available.
Extremely bad; appallingly poor in quality.
"The restaurant received abysmal reviews after the health inspection."
The dominant modern sense, used chiefly attributively or predicatively to express strong disapproval.
Relating to or suggestive of an abyss; immeasurably deep.
"The novel describes the abysmal gulf between the rich and the poor."
Now rare and largely literary; this was the word's original sense.
When 'abysmal' entered English in the early 19th century, it literally meant 'of the abyss' — so calling a film abysmal is, etymologically speaking, saying it belongs at the bottom of a bottomless pit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abysmal
"Abysmal" derives from "abysm," an early English word for an abyss, which traces back through Old French "abisme" to Late Latin "abyssus," itself borrowed from Greek "abyssos," meaning "bottomless." The adjective first appeared in English in the early nineteenth century, initially carrying its literal sense of relating to an abyss before shifting toward its dominant modern meaning of extremely bad. Its cognates include "abyss" and "abyssal," all sharing the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How abysmal is actually used
Almost always used with strongly negative connotation in modern English; the 'deep/abyss' sense is now rare and largely literary. Common in informal and journalistic registers when describing failures, performances, or conditions.
Easily confused with abysmal
'Abyssal' means relating to the depths of the ocean or an abyss, while 'abysmal' primarily means extremely bad, though both derive from the same root.