Abject — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈab-ˌjekt/ ab·ject

Meaning & Definition of Abject

Abject (adjective)

  1. sunk to or existing in a low state or condition, very bad or severe
  2. cast down in spirit, servile, spiritless
  3. showing hopelessness or resignation

Abject (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness

    "demanded nothing less than an abject apology from them"

    similar: base, humble, menial, servile, slavish
    related: hangdog, lamblike, sheepish, demure, lowly, meek, modest, retiring, unassuming, unpretentious, fawning, sycophant, sycophantic, toadyish
    near: arrogant, haughty, high-handed, imperious, lordly, supercilious, superior, uppity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abject

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abject:

base, humble, menial, servile, slavish

Related Words for Abject

hangdog, lamblike, sheepish, demure, lowly, meek, modest, retiring, unassuming, unpretentious, fawning, sycophant, sycophantic, toadyish

Near Antonyms of Abject

arrogant, haughty, high-handed, imperious, lordly, supercilious, superior, uppity

Word Forms of Abject

Derived words: abjectly (adverb), abjectness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Abject

Middle English, "outcast, rejected, lowly," borrowed from Latin abjectus "downcast, humble, sordid," from past participle of abicere "to throw away, throw down, overcome, abandon," from ab- ab- + -icere, reduced form of jacere "to throw" jet:3

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Abject

Frequently Asked Questions about Abject

What does "Abject" mean?

"Abject" means sunk to or existing in a low state or condition, very bad or severe. As an adjective, it is defined as: sunk to or existing in a low state or condition, very bad or severe.

What is another word for "Abject"?

Other words for "Abject" include base, humble, menial, servile and slavish. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abject" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abject"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abject". Common alternatives include base, humble, menial, servile and slavish.

How do you use "Abject" in a sentence?

Examples of "Abject" in a sentence: "demanded nothing less than an abject apology from them".

Is "Abject" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abject" is an adjective.

Is "Abject" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Abject" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Abject"?

"Abject" is pronounced /ˈab-ˌjekt/ and divided into syllables as ab·ject.

What is the origin of the word "Abject"?

"Abject" comes from Middle English, "outcast, rejected, lowly," borrowed from Latin abjectus "downcast, humble, sordid," from past participle of abicere "to throw away, throw down, overcome, abandon," from ab- ab- + -icere, reduced form of jacere "to throw" jet:3. First known use: 15th century.