Abject – dire, as bad as it can get
(Pronounced ab-jekt)
“Abject” is used to indicate that a situation or condition is just about as bad as it can get, as in: “They lived in abject poverty” (they were in extreme poverty).
To remember the definition of the word abject, use the following mnemonic:
The fitness fanatic had to have his abs injected (abject) because he was in a bad way after his punishing gym routine.
“Abject” generally indicates an extreme degree of unpleasantness, but can also refer to a person, or a person’s behaviour, being completely without pride or dignity.
Examples of “abject” in a sentence
His letter plunged her into abject misery.
She spoke of the abject conditions of the peasants.
She was in abject terror of the large snake.
