What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abject
Example
The refugees were living in abject poverty, with no access to basic necessities. [abject: adjective]
Example
After losing the game, the team felt abject and defeated. [abject: adjective]
miserable
Example
She felt miserable after the breakup, unable to eat or sleep. [miserable: adjective]
Example
The weather was so miserable that we had to cancel our plans for the day. [miserable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miserable is more commonly used than abject in everyday language. Miserable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while abject is less common and more formal, typically used in more serious or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abject and miserable?
Abject is more formal than miserable and is typically used in more serious or academic contexts. Miserable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
