abysmal performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abysmal performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very poor or disappointing level of performance in various contexts, such as sports, academics, or work-related tasks. Example: "The team's abysmal performance in the championship game left fans feeling disheartened and frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A repetition of any or all of these humiliations seemed possible after an abysmal performance Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Perry's problems, instead, can be linked to his abysmal performance in the Republican debates.

The New York Times

But at least we can blame our abysmal performance on partisan polarisation and the filibuster!

The Economist

"It was catastrophic, a truly extraordinarily abysmal performance," he added in relation to the first half.

The Guardian - Sport

But despite the school's abysmal performance, Ohio's Republican establishment gave it unwavering support.

The Washington Post

ESL is also a major holder of Citigroup, whose abysmal performance matched that of Sears.

The New York Times

This annual health-check of labour-market trends highlights the abysmal performance of the single-currency zone.

The Economist

THE Labour Party's abysmal performance in the general election on May 7th came as a shock to many.

The Economist

Nick Clegg was briefly vulnerable after his party's abysmal performance in the European and local elections in the early summer.

Independent

What I can't understand is why they continue to win votes in the face of their abysmal performance.

The New York Times

The Lib Dems have brushed off their abysmal performance in last night's byelections as conventional mid-term blues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as an "abysmal performance", provide specific details to support your assessment. This strengthens your argument and prevents vague criticism.

Common error

While "abysmal performance" is a strong term, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for milder alternatives like "poor showing" or "unsatisfactory effort" to maintain appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abysmal performance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "abysmal" modifies the noun "performance". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe something that falls very short of expectations. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, ranging from sports to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abysmal performance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes something exceptionally poor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, combining the adjective "abysmal" with the noun "performance" to convey strong disapproval or disappointment. While suitable for formal writing and professional communication, it should be used judiciously in more informal contexts. Its frequent appearance in news sources, along with authoritative outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian, highlights its relevance in analytical discussions of various failures. When using this expression, specificity and context are crucial to reinforce the severity of the described situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awful performance

Replaces "abysmal" with a more common synonym, suggesting a very bad but perhaps not the absolute worst performance.

terrible performance

Similar to "awful performance", it conveys a strong negative evaluation.

atrocious performance

Implies a performance that is shockingly bad and offensive in its inadequacy.

dreadful performance

Suggests a performance so poor it inspires fear or deep unhappiness.

lamentable performance

Conveys sorrow or regret over how poorly something was executed.

deficient performance

Emphasizes a lack of required qualities or skills.

substandard performance

Indicates that the performance is below the expected or required level.

failed showing

Highlights the lack of success of performance.

poor showing

A more general term indicating a lack of success or quality.

unsatisfactory execution

Focuses on the act of performing and its failure to meet expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "abysmal performance" in a sentence?

You can use "abysmal performance" to describe something that was extremely poor or disappointing, such as "The team's "abysmal performance" led to their defeat."

What are some synonyms for "abysmal performance"?

Alternatives to "abysmal performance" include "terrible performance", "atrocious performance", or "dreadful performance". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "abysmal performance" in formal writing?

Yes, "abysmal performance" is appropriate for formal writing when describing something extremely poor. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. Consider stronger alternatives to "abysmal performance" in order to emphasize the message.

What makes a performance qualify as "abysmal"?

A performance is considered "abysmal" when it is exceptionally bad, falling far below expectations and often indicating a significant failure or deficiency. The intensity of "abysmal" surpasses terms like "poor" or "unsatisfactory".