chasm
n.a very wide and deep gap, like a deep hole in the ground or a large difference between two groups of people.
n.a deep, wide gap or fissure in the earth; by extension, a significant gap or difference between two things or groups.
“The two groups were separated by a wide chasm.”
“The new law created a chasm between the wealthy and the poor that had not existed in decades.”
“The geological survey revealed a massive chasm hidden beneath the surface, suggesting that the region was once a site of significant tectonic activity.”
“In the face of this worsening world, what began as a hair’s-breadth difference in the interpretation of their college game widens into a chasm.”
From Latin chasma, from Ancient Greek χάσμα (khásma, “abyss, cleft”). Doublet of chasma. Compare schism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.