Pronunciation: [ˈabd͡ʒɛkt] (IPA) 
The word "abject" is spelled with the vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat" followed by the consonant sound /b/, the diphthong /ɛɪ/ as in "hay," the consonant sound /dʒ/ as in "judge," and the final consonant sound /t/. The IPA phonetic transcription of "abject" is /ˈæb.dʒɛkt/. This word describes a situation, feeling, or behavior of extreme hopelessness or humiliation. It can be used to describe something that is miserable or lacking in dignity.
Abject is an adjective that describes a state or quality of extreme misery, humiliation, or hopelessness. It is often used to depict a situation or condition marked by utter degradation and utter helplessness.
The term "abject" can refer to an individual or group of people who are in the depths of despair, experiencing great suffering and degradation. Whether it is due to poverty, oppression, or any other form of severe adversity, their condition is characterized by complete misery and desperation.
In a broader sense, "abject" can also describe actions, behavior, or situations that are utterly contemptible, degrading, or shameful. It implies a complete lack of self-respect or dignity, often associated with acts of extreme submission or degradation.
The word "abject" can be used to describe both physical and emotional states. For instance, it may denote a person's impoverished physical condition or their deep sense of shame and humiliation. Additionally, it can describe an individual's attitude or outlook, suggesting a disposition of complete helplessness or hopelessness.
Ultimately, "abject" conveys the lowest possible state of human existence, characterized by immense suffering, degradation, and hopelessness. It portrays a condition or quality that is utterly despicable and devoid of any semblance of worth or self-respect.
The word "abject" comes from the Latin word "abjectus", which is the past participle of the verb "abjicere". "Abjicere" is composed of "ab" (meaning "away from" or "off") and "jacere" (meaning "to throw"). Hence, "abjectus" originally meant "thrown away" or "cast off". Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to convey a sense of extreme lowliness, degradation, or wretchedness.
