# abysmally

/əˈbɪzməɫi/ (US) · /ɐbˈɪsməli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abysmally
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

in a way that is very bad or terrible. You use this to describe something that is so poor in quality or performance that it is shocking.

For teachers: in a manner that is extremely poor, bad, or shocking. Often used to describe performance, quality, or conditions that fall far below an acceptable standard.

## Examples

- The team performed abysmally in the final match.
- The company's financial reports were abysmally written, making it impossible for investors to understand the true state of the business.
- The infrastructure in the region was abysmally maintained, with crumbling roads and outdated power grids that hindered economic growth for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.