Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) English Practice Test

Which word best defines 'abject'?

1. Certainly positive

2. Severely bad or miserable

3. A type of agricultural practice

4. Impulsive and unpredictable

The correct answer is: Severely bad or miserable

The term 'abject' is best defined as "severely bad or miserable." This word specifically conveys a sense of extreme wretchedness or degradation. It describes a condition or state that is intensely negative, often associated with extreme poverty, distress, or hopelessness. For example, one might speak of abject poverty to highlight the severe level of deprivation someone is experiencing. The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of 'abject.' While 'certainly positive' suggests a favorable or beneficial quality, it contradicts the essence of 'abject,' which is inherently negative. The option referring to a type of agricultural practice is unrelated to the meaning of 'abject' and focuses on a completely different context. Lastly, the idea of being impulsive and unpredictable does not align with the definition of 'abject,' as it does not convey the same level of severity or negativity associated with extreme misery or degradation. Thus, 'severely bad or miserable' aptly encapsulates the essence of the word 'abject.'