adj
C2
Proficient
abject
ABD-zhehkt
Abject (adj) means Experienced or done in the most extreme or miserable degree, especially poverty or failure. Example: “The refugees were living in abject poverty.”
adj
1
Experienced or done in the most extreme or miserable degree, especially poverty or failure.
"The refugees were living in abject poverty."
"The team suffered an abject defeat in the final."
2
Lacking self-respect or dignity; deserving contempt.
"He offered an abject apology, practically begging for forgiveness."
How to use abject
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to intensify something bad — total, wretched, or humiliating, especially poverty, failure, or misery.
Common pairings
abject poverty
abject failure
abject apology
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Word forms
- Plural
- abjects
- Third person singular
- abjects
- Past tense
- abjected
- Comparative
- abjecter, more abject
- Superlative
- abjectest, most abject
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The refugees were living in _____ poverty.
Etymology
From Latin abiectus, "thrown away, cast aside," from ab- ("away") + iacere ("to throw") — the same root as "reject" and "project."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “abject” mean?
The word “abject” means experienced or done in the most extreme or miserable degree, especially poverty or failure. In plain terms, used to intensify something bad — total, wretched, or humiliating, especially poverty, failure, or misery.
How do you pronounce “abject”?
“Abject” is pronounced ABD-zhehkt (/ˈæbˌd͡ʒɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “abject” in a sentence?
Here is “abject” used in a sentence: “The refugees were living in abject poverty.”
What part of speech is “abject”?
“Abject” is an adjective.
Where does the word “abject” come from?
The word “abject” comes from Latin. From Latin abiectus, "thrown away, cast aside," from ab- ("away") + iacere ("to throw") — the same root as "reject" and "project.".
How many meanings does “abject” have?
“Abject” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: experienced or done in the most extreme or miserable degree, especially poverty or failure.
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