abject
UK: ˈæbdʒekt | US: ˈæbˌdʒɛkt
adj. extremely bad, unpleasant, or degrading
adj. completely without pride or dignity; self-abasing
The word "abject" originates from Latin abiectus, the past participle of abicere ("to throw away"), combining ab- ("away") and jacere ("to throw"). It originally described something cast off or degraded, later evolving to signify a state of utter hopelessness or humiliation. The imagery of being "thrown away" metaphorically captures the sense of worthlessness or despair associated with the modern meaning.
The refugees lived in abject poverty, without access to clean water.
His abject apology failed to convince anyone of his sincerity.
She felt abject misery after losing her job and home.
The dictator reduced his opponents to abject submission.
Their abject failure to meet deadlines led to the project’s cancellation.