Meaning of abject in English

Table of contents

Classifying Adjective
abject
Definitions
1. of the most contemptible kind
Examples
- « abject cowardice »
- « a low stunt to pull »
- « a low-down sneak »
- « his miserable treatment of his family »
- « You miserable skunk! »
- « a scummy rabble »
- « a scurvy trick »
Synonyms
- contemptible
2. most unfortunate or miserable
Examples
- « the most abject slaves joined in the revolt »
- « abject poverty »
Synonyms
- unfortunate
3. showing utter resignation or hopelessness
Examples
- « abject surrender »
Synonyms
- hopeless
4. showing humiliation or submissiveness
Examples
- « an abject apology »
Synonyms
- submissive

Famous quotes

« Those who are believed to be most abject and humble are usually most ambitious and envious. »
Baruch Spinoza
« With everything that is complex, we learn. If you don't learn, then it's an utter and abject failure. If you do learn, and you're able to apply that to the next situation, then you take away a measure of success. »
Benjamin Carson
« Open markets offer the only realistic hope of pulling billions of people in developing countries out of abject poverty, while sustaining prosperity in the industrialized world. »
Kofi Annan
« Friendship is a disinterested commerce between equals love, an abject intercourse between tyrants and slaves. »
Oliver Goldsmith
« When I go to the clinic next and sit with a tube in my arm and watch the poison go in, I'm in an attitude of abject passivity. It doesn't feel like fighting at all it just feels like submitting. »
Christopher Hitchens