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PRONUNCIATION: [uh-biz-muhl]

ORIGIN: Mid 17th century; English

ETYMOLOGY: from abysm’

DEFINITION:
1. (adjective) extremely bad; appalling

Synonym(s): dreadful, awful, terrible, atrocious

Antonym(s): superb, outstanding, terrific

EXAMPLE: I didn’t study and got an abysmal score on my exam.

DEFINITION:
2. (adjective) very deep

Synonym(s): extreme, utter, complete, deep

Antonym(s): shallow, short

EXAMPLE: The sign warns the visitors to keep off the cliff to avoid falling into abysmal depths of the ocean.