abyss
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a hole or space that is so deep it seems to have no bottom.
a physical chasm or gulf of immeasurable depth.
Simple“The hikers stood at the edge of the abyss, looking down into the dark canyon.”
In context“The climbers peered into the dark abyss of the crevasse, unable to see where the ice finally met the rock floor below.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a very bad or scary situation that feels like falling into a hole.
a catastrophic or overwhelming situation that threatens to consume one's stability or sanity.
Simple“After losing his job and his home, he felt he was staring into an abyss.”
In context“The country's economy teetered on the edge of an abyss as inflation reached levels not seen in decades.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a very large difference between two groups of people or two ideas.
a profound difference or wide separation between two entities, groups, or concepts.
Simple“There is a growing abyss between the rich and the poor in the city.”
In context“The cultural abyss between the two generations made it difficult for them to reach a compromise on social policy.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
the deepest parts of the ocean where it is very cold and dark.
the regions of the ocean floor, typically deeper than 4,000 metres, where no light penetrates.
Simple“Strange creatures with their own lights live in the deep abyss of the Atlantic.”
In context“Marine biologists utilised remote-operated vehicles to study the unique biodiversity found within the oceanic abyss.”
Synonymsabyssal zonedepths