Abject/ˈæbdʒekt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Extreme Situations Use 'abject' to describe situations that are extremely bad and upsetting. The natural disaster left the town in abject despair. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight 'Abject' often carries an emotional charge that highlights the severity of a situation. His voice was full of abject sorrow when he received the news. Pro Tip 3/3Not Hyperbole Be careful to not overuse 'abject' as it's strong; applicable to truly harsh conditions. After losing his job, he struggled with abject poverty.