Abject Meaning and Definition
Abject
Pronunciation
/ˈæbdʒɛkt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Wretched, miserable, or contemptible; utterly hopeless or degraded.
Examples
- The abject living conditions in the poverty-stricken area were a shock to the visitors.
- The company’s abject failure to address customer complaints led to a massive backlash.
Synonyms
- Miserable
- Wretched
- Deplorable
Antonyms
- Proud
- Honorable
- Respectable
Additional Information
The term “abject” is often used to describe situations or states of being that are utterly hopeless or degraded. It can also be used to describe someone or something that is considered to be of the lowest or most miserable kind.
Abject situations can be found in various aspects of life, such as poverty, disease, or oppression. The term is often used to convey a sense of utter despair or powerlessness.
In some cases, the term “abject” can be used to describe a person’s emotional state, such as feeling utterly defeated or demoralized.
Etymology
The word “abject” comes from the Latin “abjectus,” which means “cast down” or “rejected.”
Usage Notes
The word “abject” should be used carefully, as it can be quite strong and convey a sense of utter hopelessness. It is often used in formal or literary writing to describe particularly dire situations.
Cultural References
The term “abject” has been used in various literary and artistic works to describe situations of utter despair or degradation, such as in the works of authors like Franz Kafka or Jean-Paul Sartre.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Abject poverty”
- “Abject failure”
Related Words or Phrases
- Misery
- Despair
- Hopelessness
Collocations
- Abject poverty
- Abject failure
- Abject defeat
Frequency of Use
The word “abject” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it can be found in formal or literary writing, particularly in contexts that describe dire or hopeless situations.
Common Misspellings
- Abeject
- Abjict
- Abjecte