Question

Which sentence correctly uses the word abysmal?

Answer 1

Answer: A) While breaking one pencil during the SATs is bad luck, breaking six pencils is downright abysmal.

Explanation: the definition of abysmal is something that is extremely bad, terrible or severe. In the first option the word "abysmal" is used correctly because it is referring to how terrible it would be to break six pencils during the SATs. In options B, C and D, the correct word to use instead of "abysmal" is "abyss" which means a very deep gulf or hole, it can be used literally or figuratively.

Answer 2

The only correct sentence is the first one - While breaking one pencil during the SATs is bad luck, breaking six pencils is downright abysmal.
In all the other options abysmal is used instead of abyss, which is why they are all incorrect.