abject lie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abject lie" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a falsehood which is considered particularly egregious or morally wrong. For example, "The Senator's claim that the vote was fraudulent was an abject lie, and he must be held accountable for deliberately misleading the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(This, dear readers, is an abject lie).

The Guardian - Opinion

American fact-check sites tend to rely on researchers who evaluate statements by public figures, or articles and memes, then rate them on a scale from abject lie to empirical truth.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was referring to what he called Ted Cruz's "abject lies" and, particularly, to what appears to have been a concerted effort on the part of the Cruz campaign to persuade voters at caucuses that Carson had dropped out.

The New Yorker

I spent hours watching its rantings (worthwhile only from the perspective of deciphering its abject lies and distortions).

Huffington Post

Behind the beautiful, lavish parts of Delhi always lies the most abject poverty imaginable.

Huffington Post

A fan added in the comments: "The real blame lies entirely with those abject Indian chicken farmers, the Venkys, and those members of the FA who deemed these idiots sufficiently competent to own a team in English football.

The New York Times

Scared to death of being outdone, President Obama and his sidekicks climbed into their spiffy new G.O.P. costumes and promised in humiliatingly abject tones to shower the business world with whatever government largess they could lay their hands on.

The New York Times

We are all abject postulants before its ability to deliver the goods, to yield dividends, to perform miracles and lay golden eggs.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was abject cowardice".

The New Yorker

Of all the abject illusions!

The New Yorker

Breakfast was abject.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject lie" when you want to emphasize that a statement is not only false but also morally reprehensible or contemptible. It's stronger than simply calling something a "lie".

Common error

While "abject lie" is a valid phrase, its formal tone may be inappropriate in casual conversation. Consider using simpler terms like "total lie" or "complete fabrication" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject lie" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "abject" modifies the noun "lie". The adjective intensifies the negativity and reprehensibility of the falsehood. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abject lie" is used to describe a falsehood that is particularly egregious or morally wrong. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a relatively rare expression. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it serves to strongly condemn a statement as both false and morally reprehensible. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context, as its intensity may not be suitable for all situations. Consider alternatives like "complete fabrication" or "total falsehood" for less formal settings. This phrase is more impactful when used to express strong disapproval of deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter falsehood

Synonymous replacement emphasizing the complete lack of truth.

blatant untruth

Replaces "lie" with "untruth" and "abject" with a word meaning obvious and unsubtle.

total fabrication

Emphasizes the complete and utter lack of truth in the statement.

egregious falsehood

Replaces "abject" with a synonym conveying a severe degree of wrongness.

complete fabrication

Replaces "lie" with a synonym emphasizing the invented nature of the falsehood and "abject" with a similar adjective.

bald-faced lie

An idiom expressing a lie told shamelessly and brazenly.

outright deception

Substitutes "lie" with "deception" and adds an adjective to enhance its intensity.

pure invention

Highlights that the statement is entirely made up and lacks any basis in reality.

arrant nonsense

Expresses a statement completely devoid of sense or reason.

absolute whopper

An informal phrase for a significant and blatant lie.

FAQs

How can I use "abject lie" in a sentence?

You can use "abject lie" to describe a statement that is not only false but also morally reprehensible. For example, "The politician's claim about his opponent's past was an "abject lie" designed to mislead voters."

What's a less formal alternative to "abject lie"?

If you're looking for something less formal, consider alternatives like "complete fabrication", "total lie", or "outright deception". These options convey the falsehood without the same degree of moral condemnation.

Is "abject lie" stronger than just saying "lie"?

Yes, "abject lie" carries a stronger connotation than simply saying "lie". The word "abject" intensifies the falsehood, suggesting it's particularly egregious, despicable, or contemptible. It implies a deeper level of moral failing.

What is the difference between an "abject lie" and a "white lie"?

An "abject lie" is a serious and often malicious falsehood, whereas a "white lie" is a minor, harmless lie often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. They are almost opposites in terms of intent and severity.