abyss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abyss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, often metaphorically to refer to a profound depth of knowledge, emotion, or experience. Example: "As she stared into the abyss, she felt a mix of fear and curiosity about what lay beyond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I really don't think anyone in Clapham is going to be setting fire to the water coming out of their taps," I tell you, adding, "No, your house isn't going to tumble into some newly created abyss".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Greece is moving ever closer to the abyss," he added.

The Guardian - Business

As it turned out, though, crisis was averted; it became cathartic, as if they needed to look into the abyss to get going.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: 100 days of solitude: Syriza struggles as Greeks once again stare into the abyss The warnings came as the European commission slashed its forecast for Greece's growth rate this year, predicting the economy would expand by a mere 0.5%, compared with the 2.5% it had projected barely three months ago.

The Guardian

In pulling back from the abyss, JFK secured his place in history (and laid the ground for the nuclear test ban treaty signed weeks before his death).

The Guardian

The up was unrelenting, and the trail precipitous, its edges dropping into a granite abyss.

The Guardian - Travel

Such practice, he argued, opens the way to "the greatest abyss of corruption".

The Guardian

Wasn't I just lucky to be allowed to explore my deepest fears in fiction, a safe place where I dared to peer over the edge of the abyss, and could even use what I saw there?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even with protection, the NHS, like local government, is heading for a financial abyss.

The Guardian

He entertained us with wit and whisky on his balcony, a literary Tiberius metaphorically tossing politicians, critics, and a good deal of contemporary literature over the balustrade and into the abyss.

The Guardian - Travel

Two months later he concluded that Poland was facing the abyss – and declared martial law.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "abyss" when aiming to evoke a feeling of being overwhelmed or lost in something vast and incomprehensible, such as despair or moral corruption.

Common error

Avoid using "abyss" to describe ordinary depths. Reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize a profound and immeasurable quality, not just physical deepness. For example, instead of saying "the well was an abyss", consider "the well was very deep" if you don't intend to convey a sense of dread or the unknown.

Linguistic Context

The word "abyss" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a deep, immeasurable space or a situation of profound depth or danger. According to Ludwig, the word follows standard grammar rules and is widely used. Examples show it depicting both physical and metaphorical depths.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "abyss" is a noun frequently employed to depict a deep, immeasurable space or a situation characterized by profound depth and danger. Ludwig confirms its adherence to standard grammar rules, with various examples illustrating its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, "abyss" serves to evoke feelings of vastness, peril, or mystery. While it is appropriate for formal writing, it should be reserved for situations of true significance. Alternatives include "bottomless pit" or "deep chasm". Avoid overusing it for simple descriptions of depth, as it is best suited to conveying a sense of the unknown.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bottomless pit

Emphasizes the lack of a bottom, similar to the literal meaning of "abyss".

deep chasm

Highlights the physical depth and gap, akin to a geological "abyss".

unfathomable depth

Focuses on the inability to measure or understand the depth, mirroring the metaphorical use of "abyss".

bottomless gulf

Combines the ideas of a lack of bottom and a wide gap, similar to "abyss".

yawning void

Stresses the emptiness and vastness of the space, akin to a metaphorical "abyss".

precipice

Emphasizes the dangerous edge or brink of a disaster, similar to the impending doom implied by "abyss".

edge of oblivion

Highlights the state of being forgotten or destroyed, similar to the finality implied by "abyss".

moral vacuum

Focuses on the absence of moral values, which can be a metaphorical "abyss".

financial ruin

Highlights the prospect of economic destruction, similar to the economic implications of an "abyss".

state of despair

Emphasizes hopelessness and misery, reflecting the emotional depth of an "abyss".

FAQs

How can I use the word "abyss" in a sentence?

The word "abyss" can be used to describe a literal bottomless pit, such as "The canyon was a terrifying abyss". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a profound and immeasurable situation, like "The country was on the edge of an economic abyss".

What are some synonyms for "abyss"?

Synonyms for "abyss" include "chasm", "gulf", "void", and "pit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "abyss" in formal writing?

Yes, "abyss" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when conveying a sense of extreme depth or danger. However, ensure the tone and context align with the word's strong connotations. For example, saying “the company faced a financial abyss” is a fine use in a formal document.

How does the metaphorical use of "abyss" differ from its literal meaning?

Literally, "abyss" refers to a deep, immeasurable space. Metaphorically, it represents something similarly profound and overwhelming, such as a moral or emotional crisis. While the literal meaning describes physical space, the metaphorical use describes an intangible situation or feeling of depth.