1. a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm; an abyss
Usage: literary or poetic; less common than 'abyss' in modern usage
2. a state of complete despair or moral degradation
Usage: figurative; literary

Examples

• The mountain climber peered into the abysm below.
• The novel describes the protagonist's descent into an abysm of despair.
• Ancient myths spoke of an abysm separating the mortal world from the underworld.
• She felt herself falling into an abysm of loneliness after moving to a new city.
• The abysm between rich and poor continues to widen.
• Staring into the abysm, he questioned everything he believed.