The word abysmal is an extreme adjective (though perhaps has lost force because it is used in unmerited (!) situations). Acording to Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc it means
adj.
- of or like an abyss; immeasurably deep or great: abysmal ignorance.
of or like an abyss; immeasurably deep or great: abysmal ignorance.
extremely or hopelessly bad or severe: abysmal weather.
- extremely or hopelessly bad or severe: abysmal weather.
