Question

Which sentence correctly uses the word abysmal?
While breaking one pencil during the SATs is bad luck, breaking six pencils is downright abysmal.
Peering over the edge into the dark abysmal, Frank thought maybe he wasn’t cut out for caving.
Jill could not understand Seth’s unflappable abysmal in the face of certain failure.
Phil nearly fell into the deep abysmal due to his foolish habit of reading while walking.

Answer 1

The only correct sentence is the first one - While breaking one pencil during the SATs is bad luck, breaking six pencils is downright abysmal.
In all the other options abysmal is used instead of abyss, which is why they are all incorrect. 

Answer 2

Answer: A) While breaking one pencil during the SATs is bad luck, breaking six pencils is downright abysmal.

Explanation: the definition of abysmal is something that is extremely bad, terrible or severe. In the first option the word "abysmal" is used correctly because it is referring to how terrible it would be to break six pencils during the SATs. In options B, C and D, the correct word to use instead of "abysmal" is "abyss" which means a very deep gulf or hole, it can be used literally or figuratively.