Abyss: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a bottomless, immeasurable, or unfathomable depth, often metaphorically to signify an emotional or existential void.

• Staring into the abyss of uncertainty made him feel utterly powerless.
• Their relationship had fallen into an abyss of mistrust.

Best used to describe a deep, noticeable gap or division between two entities, whether physical or metaphorical. Often implies a significant, noticeable separation.

• The earthquake left a gaping chasm in the roadway.
• There is a chasm between their political views that seems impossible to bridge.

Ideal for describing a vast, often metaphorical, separation or difference between two groups, ideas, or experiences. The term suggests something that is wide and difficult to cross.

• There is a growing gulf between the rich and the poor in society.
• A gulf of misunderstanding lay between the two former friends.

Typically used for a deep hole in the ground, and can also metaphorically describe a troubling or unpleasant situation. Often has a negative connotation.

• He accidentally fell into a pit and twisted his ankle.
• She felt like she was in a pit of despair after losing her job.

Often used to describe an empty space or a feeling of emptiness. May imply a sense of lacking or missing something significant.

• There was a void in his life after his best friend moved away.
• Staring into the void of space made her feel both small and awe-inspired.

Used to describe a deep and seemingly bottomless chasm, often metaphorically representing an extreme situation or dilemma.

• He found himself staring into the abyss of despair.
• The company's financial problems seemed like an abyss.

Usually describes a measure of how deep something is, either literally (like a body of water) or figuratively (such as emotions or thoughts).

• The depth of the ocean is awe-inspiring.
• She was touched by the depth of his feelings.

Describes an empty space, often used metaphorically to describe a feeling of emptiness or absence.

• After the breakup, she felt a void in her life.
• The abandoned building was a void of silence.

A religious or philosophical term referring to a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful person passes after death; has a negative connotation.

• He feared he was doomed to perdition.
• The preacher spoke about the eternal perdition of sinners.

Use 'abyss' to describe a deep and seemingly bottomless pit, often used metaphorically to describe something that seems infinite or immeasurable.

• Staring into the abyss of her mind, she felt overwhelmed by her emotions
• The company was on the brink of an abyss of financial ruin

Use 'void' to describe an empty space, often used to signify a feeling of emptiness or loss.

• After the loss of his pet, he felt a void in his heart that nothing could fill
• The black hole is often described as a void in space

Use 'chaos' to describe a state of complete disorder and confusion. It has a negative connotation.

• After the sudden resignation of the manager, the whole office descended into chaos
• The streets were filled with chaos after the unexpected announcement

Use 'depth' to talk about deep places, complex situations, or profound emotions and thoughts.

• The depth of the ocean has always fascinated scientists
• Her voice carried a depth of emotion that touched everyone in the room