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abatimiento

B2 noun #13,000 most common 11 min read

abatimiento

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips abatimiento in 30 Seconds

Explanation abatimiento in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'abatimiento' is a very difficult word that you probably won't use. However, you can think of it as being 'very, very sad'. Imagine a person who is so sad they cannot even stand up or smile. That state is 'abatimiento'. For now, you should focus on simpler words like 'triste' (sad) or 'cansado' (tired). If you see this word, just remember it means someone is feeling very down and has no energy. It is a noun, so we say 'el abatimiento'. It is like the 'big brother' of the word 'tristeza'. You might hear it in a very dramatic story or a serious news report. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet, but try to recognize it as a sign of deep sadness. It's like when a battery is at 0%—that is the feeling of 'abatimiento'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more descriptive words. 'Abatimiento' is a noun that describes the state of being 'abatido' (very discouraged or worn out). You can remember it by thinking of the verb 'bajar' (to go down). When someone's spirits 'go down' a lot, they are in a state of 'abatimiento'. You might use it in a simple sentence like 'Él siente abatimiento' (He feels dejection). It is more than just being sad for a minute; it is a feeling that stays with you and makes you feel weak. You might see it in simple health descriptions, like when a doctor asks if you feel 'abatimiento' (weakness/lethargy). It is a good word to know if you are reading short stories in Spanish, as authors use it to show how a character feels after something bad happens, like losing a game or failing a test.

At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between different types of feelings. 'Abatimiento' is a great word to add to your vocabulary to describe a deep lack of morale. It is more formal than 'estar triste'. You can use it to talk about psychological states or physical exhaustion. For example, 'Después del examen, tenía un sentimiento de abatimiento' (After the exam, I had a feeling of dejection). At this level, you should also notice that it can be used in more technical ways, like describing a drop in prices or morale in a group. It is often used with the verb 'caer' (to fall): 'caer en el abatimiento'. This suggests that the feeling is like a hole that you fall into. It is a very useful word for writing more expressive compositions about personal experiences or reacting to news stories about difficult situations.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'abatimiento' with precision. You should understand that it implies both an emotional and a physical component. It is the perfect word for describing the 'lowering' of one's spirit or strength. You should be able to use it in professional or academic contexts. For instance, you might discuss the 'abatimiento de la moral' in a historical essay about a war, or the 'abatimiento físico' in a report about health. You should also be aware of its technical meanings, such as nautical leeway or the folding down of a geometric plane, although the emotional meaning is more common. At this level, you should be comfortable using collocations like 'profundo abatimiento' or 'vencer el abatimiento'. It is a key word for achieving a more sophisticated and nuanced level of Spanish, allowing you to describe complex human states that simpler words cannot fully capture.

At the C1 level, 'abatimiento' should be a regular part of your high-level vocabulary. You should understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'postración', 'desánimo', or 'melancolía'. You should be able to recognize it in classical literature and modern journalism alike. At this level, you might use it to describe abstract concepts, such as the 'abatimiento de las instituciones' (the weakening or bringing down of institutions). You should also be familiar with the more violent or technical use of the verb 'abatir' (to shoot down/kill) and how the noun 'abatimiento' can occasionally refer to that act in legal or police reports. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight—it is a 'heavy' word that carries a sense of finality or significant struggle. You should be able to use it fluently in debates about mental health, sociology, or literary analysis.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of 'abatimiento'. you understand its etymological roots in the Latin 'battuere' (to beat) and how that history informs its modern usage as a state of being 'beaten down'. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as describing the 'abatimiento de planos' in descriptive geometry or the specific 'abatimiento' (leeway) in advanced maritime navigation. In your writing, you use the word to create atmosphere and depth, perhaps using it metonymically to describe the state of a society or an era. You are aware of the subtle registers it occupies—from the clinical to the poetic—and you can switch between them effortlessly. For you, 'abatimiento' is not just a word for sadness; it is a precise tool for describing the intersection of physical exhaustion, moral defeat, and the external forces that act upon the human condition.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

abatimiento in 30 Seconds

A formal noun for deep dejection or low spirits.
Can describe both emotional sadness and physical exhaustion.
Used in nautical, technical, and medical contexts as well.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'sentir', 'mostrar', and 'caer'.

The Spanish word abatimiento is a multifaceted noun that primarily describes a profound state of emotional or physical collapse. While often translated as 'dejection' or 'depression' in English, it carries a heavy, almost physical weight that suggests being 'beaten down' by circumstances. It is not merely a fleeting moment of sadness; rather, it is a state where one's spirit seems to have folded under the pressure of grief, failure, or exhaustion. In a psychological context, it refers to the visible manifestation of low spirits—shoulders slumped, energy depleted, and a general lack of motivation or hope. Understanding this word requires looking beyond a simple dictionary definition and seeing the 'posture' of the soul it describes.

Emotional Context: In everyday conversation, you might use it to describe a friend who has lost their job and no longer has the energy to look for a new one. It is the state of being 'downcast' or 'disheartened' to the point of inactivity.
Physical and Medical Usage: In medical or veterinary contexts, it refers to a state of lethargy or weakness. If a dog is 'abatido', it isn't just sad; it is physically weak and lacks the strength to stand or interact.
Nautical and Technical Use: Interestingly, in navigation, it refers to the 'leeway' or the deviation of a ship from its course due to the wind. This mirrors the emotional meaning: something external (wind/fate) pushing you off your intended path.

Tras recibir la noticia del cierre de la fábrica, un profundo abatimiento se apoderó de todos los trabajadores de la región.

The word originates from the verb 'abatir', which means to knock down, to overthrow, or to lower. When you apply this to a person's mood, you get the sense of a spirit that has been knocked to the ground. It is common in literature to see characters described in a state of 'abatimiento' after a great loss. It is more formal than 'tristeza' (sadness) and more specific than 'depresión', as 'abatimiento' focuses on the visible state of being defeated rather than just the clinical diagnosis.

El médico notó un claro abatimiento físico en el paciente, síntoma inequívoco de su agotamiento crónico.

In a broader societal sense, 'abatimiento' can describe the mood of a nation during an economic crisis or after a national tragedy. It is a collective 'lowering' of morale. For learners of Spanish, mastering this word allows for a more nuanced expression of human emotion, moving beyond basic adjectives into the realm of descriptive, high-level vocabulary often found in news, literature, and formal reports.

A pesar del abatimiento inicial, el equipo logró encontrar las fuerzas necesarias para remontar el marcador en la segunda parte.

No permitas que el abatimiento nuble tu juicio en estos momentos tan decisivos para tu carrera profesional.

El abatimiento de los muros permitió una mejor ventilación de la estructura antigua durante la reforma.

Using abatimiento correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the typical verbs that accompany it. It is frequently the object of verbs like sentir (to feel), mostrar (to show), or caer en (to fall into). Because it describes a state of being, it is often modified by adjectives that emphasize its depth or duration.

Common Verb Pairings: Caer en el abatimiento: To fall into a state of dejection. This suggests a gradual or sudden descent into a low mood.
Vencer el abatimiento: To overcome the dejection. This is used when someone regains their spirits.
Adjective Modifiers: Profundo: Deep. 'Un profundo abatimiento' is a very common collocation.
Pasajero: Fleeting. Indicates that the low spirits are only temporary.

Su rostro reflejaba un abatimiento tal que nadie se atrevió a preguntarle qué había sucedido.

In formal writing, 'abatimiento' is often used to describe the results of an investigation or the state of a market. For instance, 'el abatimiento de los precios' refers to a significant drop in prices. However, in 90% of cases, you will be using it to describe human emotion. It is important to distinguish it from 'tristeza'. While 'tristeza' is simply being sad, 'abatimiento' implies that the sadness has taken away your strength.

Es vital buscar apoyo profesional si el abatimiento persiste durante más de dos semanas seguidas.

Consider the difference between 'estar abatido' (the adjective form) and 'sentir abatimiento' (the noun form). 'Estar abatido' is much more common in spoken Spanish, while 'abatimiento' as a noun appears more frequently in literature, psychological reports, and news broadcasts. When writing an essay about a character's journey, using the noun 'abatimiento' adds a layer of sophistication to your analysis.

El abatimiento moral de la tropa fue el factor decisivo para la rendición final del ejército.

No podemos permitir que el abatimiento se convierta en la norma dentro de nuestra organización.

El abatimiento de la caza está estrictamente regulado por las leyes ambientales de la provincia.

Finally, in technical settings, particularly architecture or geometry, 'abatimiento' refers to the rotation of a plane until it coincides with another. While this is a very specific use, it helps to understand the root meaning of 'bringing something down' to a lower level. Whether it is a physical plane or a human spirit, 'abatimiento' is always about a reduction in height, position, or energy.

In modern Spanish, abatimiento is a word that bridges the gap between literary tradition and daily news. You are likely to encounter it in several specific contexts, each providing a slightly different flavor to its meaning. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when it appears in the wild.

The Evening News: News anchors often use 'abatimiento' when discussing the public's reaction to bad economic figures or political scandals. It describes a collective sense of hopelessness. 'Hay un clima de abatimiento generalizado ante la subida de los precios'.
Literature and Poetry: Novels use this word to describe the internal state of a character. It is a more 'writerly' word than 'tristeza'. If a character is in a state of 'abatimiento', the reader knows they are deeply affected and likely physically drained.
Medical Consultations: A doctor might record 'abatimiento' in a patient's chart to describe their lack of physical and mental energy. It is a symptom, not just a feeling.

El cronista describió el abatimiento de la ciudad tras la derrota en la final del campeonato mundial.

In a work environment, you might hear a manager talk about the 'abatimiento de la moral' (lowering of morale) after a difficult quarter. Here, it is used strategically to identify a problem that needs solving. It sounds more professional and serious than saying 'the employees are sad'. It implies a loss of productivity and drive.

En su diario, el explorador confesó su abatimiento al ver que las provisiones se agotaban rápidamente.

You will also hear this word in legal or police contexts, specifically 'el abatimiento de un sospechoso' (the taking down/killing of a suspect). This is a very different, more violent use of the word derived from the verb 'abatir' meaning 'to bring down' (often by gunfire). It is important to be aware of this technical, often grim, usage in crime news.

Las autoridades confirmaron el abatimiento del fugitivo tras una intensa persecución por el bosque.

El abatimiento de los humos en la fábrica es esencial para cumplir con las normas de salud pública.

Lastly, in the world of sports, commentators use 'abatimiento' to describe the body language of a team that has just conceded a late goal. You'll see players with their heads in their hands—that visual is the essence of 'abatimiento'. It captures the exact moment hope is lost and physical fatigue sets in simultaneously.

While abatimiento is a powerful word, it is easy for English speakers to misuse it or confuse it with similar-sounding words in Spanish. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Spanish sound more natural and precise.

Confusion with 'Abaratamiento': Because they both start with 'aba-', learners often confuse 'abatimiento' (dejection) with 'abaratamiento' (the act of making something cheaper). Saying 'el abatimiento de la fruta' when you mean 'the fruit is getting cheaper' would sound very strange to a native speaker.
Overusing it for Minor Sadness: Don't use 'abatimiento' for small things. If you lost your keys, you feel 'molesto' (annoyed) or 'triste' (sad), but probably not 'abatido'. Reserve 'abatimiento' for significant emotional blows.

Incorrecto: Siento un gran abatimiento porque no hay helado de chocolate.
Correcto: Siento una gran decepción porque no hay helado de chocolate.

Another mistake is forgetting its noun status. English speakers sometimes try to use it as an adjective or a verb incorrectly. Remember: 'abatimiento' is the *thing* (the state), 'abatido' is the *description* (the adjective), and 'abatir' is the *action* (the verb). You *feel* abatimiento, you *are* abatido, and circumstances *abaten* your spirit.

Confusión común: No confundas abatimiento (noun) con el participio 'abatido' (adjective) en estructuras pasivas.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows 'abatimiento' when describing the cause. Usually, we use 'por' or 'debido a'. For example: 'abatimiento por la pérdida'. Avoid using 'de' in a way that suggests the sadness belongs to the thing that caused it, unless you are using the technical sense (e.g., 'abatimiento de la moral').

Es un error pensar que el abatimiento es lo mismo que la pereza; el primero es emocional, la segunda es falta de voluntad.

No confundas el abatimiento náutico (leeway) con el abatimiento emocional en un examen de navegación.

To truly master abatimiento, you must see where it fits in the spectrum of Spanish words for 'low spirits'. Spanish is rich in synonyms for sadness, and choosing the right one depends on the intensity and the cause of the feeling.

Abatimiento vs. Desánimo: 'Desánimo' is a lack of encouragement or 'animus'. It's when you don't feel like doing something. 'Abatimiento' is heavier; it implies you *can't* do something because you are so low.
Abatimiento vs. Postración: 'Postración' is an even more extreme state than 'abatimiento'. It often refers to being physically bedridden by illness or extreme grief. If 'abatimiento' is sitting with your head down, 'postración' is lying down completely defeated.
Abatimiento vs. Melancolía: 'Melancolía' has a poetic, almost sweet quality to it. It's a reflective, long-term sadness. 'Abatimiento' is harsher and more immediate, often tied to a specific failure or exhaustion.

Mientras que el abatimiento te quita las fuerzas, la melancolía a veces inspira a los poetas.

Other alternatives include 'decaimiento' (a literal 'falling down' of spirits, often used for health) and 'desolación' (a feeling of being completely alone and destroyed). If you want to sound more informal, you might use 'bajón' (a big drop). 'Tengo un bajón' is a very common way to say you're feeling down in Spain, but it lacks the weight and formality of 'abatimiento'.

El abatimiento es a la mente lo que la fatiga es al cuerpo: una señal de que necesitamos parar y recuperarnos.

In a technical sense, if you are looking for synonyms for 'abatimiento' meaning 'bringing down', you could use 'derribo' (demolition) or 'reducción' (reduction). In nautical terms, 'deriva' (drift) is a close cousin to 'abatimiento', though they describe slightly different physical forces on a vessel. Choosing 'abatimiento' in these contexts shows a high level of technical Spanish proficiency.

Para evitar el abatimiento del ánimo, es fundamental mantener rutinas saludables y buscar apoyo social.

El abatimiento de la temperatura durante la noche fue más brusco de lo que los meteorólogos habían previsto.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"El informe pericial destaca el abatimiento de los muros de carga."

Neutral

"Siento un gran abatimiento por lo ocurrido ayer."

Informal

"Vaya abatimiento que tiene el pobre desde que lo dejaron."

Child friendly

"El osito estaba muy triste y sin fuerzas, sentía un poco de abatimiento."

Slang

"Menudo bajón de abatimiento me ha entrado."

Fun Fact

The English word 'abate' (to become less intense) shares the same Latin root 'battuere', as does the word 'battery' (a beating) and 'battle'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.ba.tiˈmjen.to/

US /a.ba.tiˈmjen.to/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: a-ba-ti-MIEN-to.

Rhymes With

sentimiento pensamiento momento viento asiento contento talento suplemento

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'b' too strongly like an English 'b'. In Spanish, it's often softer between vowels.
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., on 'ti' or 'to').
Making the 't' sound like a 'ch' sound before the 'i'.
Not pronouncing the 'i' in 'mjen' clearly.
Pronouncing the 'o' at the end like 'ou'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in literature and news, but requires context to distinguish meanings.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly dramatic or overly formal.

Speaking 6/5

Rarely used in casual speech; 'tristeza' or 'bajón' are more common.

Listening 4/5

Easy to recognize once known, but sounds similar to other 'aba-' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

triste cansado bajar ánimo fuerza

Learn Next

postración desaliento decaimiento apesadumbrado abatir

Advanced

cinegético arancelario supranacional metonimia ontológico

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -miento are almost always masculine.

El sentimiento, el pensamiento, el abatimiento.

Verbs like 'sentir' take a direct object (the noun).

Siento abatimiento (I feel dejection).

The preposition 'por' is used to indicate the cause of the state.

Abatimiento por el fracaso.

Adjectives follow the noun and match in gender and number.

Un abatimiento profundo.

Using 'estar' with the adjective form 'abatido'.

Estoy abatido (I am dejected).

Examples by Level

Él tiene mucho abatimiento hoy.

He has a lot of dejection today.

Abatimiento is a masculine noun.

El perro siente abatimiento porque está enfermo.

The dog feels dejection because it is sick.

Siente is the verb 'sentir' (to feel).

No me gusta el abatimiento.

I don't like dejection.

Use 'el' before abatimiento.

Su abatimiento es muy grande.

His dejection is very big.

Grande modifies the noun abatimiento.

Ella camina con abatimiento.

She walks with dejection.

Con is a preposition meaning 'with'.

El niño llora por su abatimiento.

The boy cries because of his dejection.

Por means 'because of' here.

Vemos abatimiento en sus ojos.

We see dejection in his eyes.

Vemos is 'we see'.

El abatimiento es triste.

Dejection is sad.

Triste is the adjective for sad.

Después de perder el partido, el equipo mostró un gran abatimiento.

After losing the game, the team showed great dejection.

Mostró is the past tense of mostrar.

El abatimiento físico es normal cuando tienes gripe.

Physical dejection is normal when you have the flu.

Físico is an adjective modifying abatimiento.

No dejes que el abatimiento te gane.

Don't let dejection win over you.

Gane is the subjunctive of ganar.

Siento un poco de abatimiento por las malas noticias.

I feel a bit of dejection because of the bad news.

Un poco de means 'a little bit of'.

El abatimiento de mi abuelo nos preocupa.

My grandfather's dejection worries us.

Preocupa is the verb preocupar.

Es difícil salir del abatimiento solo.

It is difficult to get out of dejection alone.

Salir del means 'to leave from the'.

Su rostro reflejaba un profundo abatimiento.

Her face reflected a deep dejection.

Reflejaba is the imperfect tense.

El médico habló sobre el abatimiento del paciente.

The doctor spoke about the patient's dejection.

Sobre means 'about'.

El abatimiento general de la población se debe a la crisis económica.

The general dejection of the population is due to the economic crisis.

Se debe a means 'is due to'.

A pesar de su abatimiento, decidió seguir adelante con el proyecto.

Despite his dejection, he decided to move forward with the project.

A pesar de means 'despite'.

El abatimiento puede ser un síntoma de agotamiento extremo.

Dejection can be a symptom of extreme burnout.

Puede ser means 'can be'.

Notamos un cierto abatimiento en su voz durante la llamada.

We noticed a certain dejection in her voice during the call.

Cierto means 'certain' or 'some'.

El abatimiento de los precios ha afectado a los agricultores.

The drop in prices has affected the farmers.

Here, abatimiento means 'reduction' or 'drop'.

Para combatir el abatimiento, es bueno hacer ejercicio.

To combat dejection, it is good to exercise.

Combatir means 'to fight' or 'to combat'.

El abatimiento se apoderó de él tras el fracaso laboral.

Dejection took hold of him after the work failure.

Se apoderó de means 'took over' or 'seized'.

No debemos confundir el abatimiento con la simple pereza.

We must not confuse dejection with simple laziness.

Confundir... con means 'to confuse... with'.

El abatimiento moral de las tropas fue evidente tras la derrota en la frontera.

The moral dejection of the troops was evident after the defeat at the border.

Moral modifies abatimiento.

La novela describe con detalle el abatimiento del protagonista tras la muerte de su esposa.

The novel describes in detail the protagonist's dejection after his wife's death.

Con detalle means 'in detail'.

El abatimiento de los muros exteriores permitió ampliar la plaza principal.

The tearing down of the exterior walls allowed the main square to be expanded.

Technical use of abatimiento meaning 'tearing down'.

Es fundamental identificar las causas del abatimiento para poder tratarlo adecuadamente.

It is essential to identify the causes of dejection to be able to treat it properly.

Tratarlo means 'to treat it'.

El barco sufrió un fuerte abatimiento debido a los vientos laterales.

The ship suffered a strong leeway due to side winds.

Nautical use meaning 'leeway'.

Tras semanas de lluvia constante, un sentimiento de abatimiento reinaba en el pueblo.

After weeks of constant rain, a feeling of dejection reigned in the town.

Reinaba is 'reigned' or 'prevailed'.

Su abatimiento era tan profundo que ni siquiera las bromas de sus amigos lo animaban.

His dejection was so deep that not even his friends' jokes cheered him up.

Ni siquiera means 'not even'.

El informe destaca el abatimiento de la producción industrial en el último trimestre.

The report highlights the drop in industrial production in the last quarter.

Destaca means 'highlights'.

El existencialismo a menudo explora el abatimiento como una respuesta inherente a la condición humana.

Existentialism often explores dejection as an inherent response to the human condition.

Inherente a means 'inherent to'.

Se observó un notable abatimiento de la presión arterial tras la administración del fármaco.

A notable drop in blood pressure was observed after the administration of the drug.

Medical use meaning 'drop' or 'reduction'.

La película retrata el abatimiento de una sociedad que ha perdido sus valores fundamentales.

The movie portrays the dejection of a society that has lost its fundamental values.

Retrata means 'portrays'.

El abatimiento de las barreras arancelarias fomentó el comercio internacional entre ambas naciones.

The removal of tariff barriers encouraged international trade between both nations.

Figurative use meaning 'removal' or 'lowering'.

Aquel estado de abatimiento crónico requería una intervención psiquiátrica inmediata.

That state of chronic dejection required immediate psychiatric intervention.

Crónico means 'chronic'.

El orador intentó disipar el abatimiento del público con un discurso cargado de esperanza.

The speaker tried to dispel the audience's dejection with a speech full of hope.

Disipar means 'to dispel'.

En geometría descriptiva, el abatimiento consiste en girar un plano sobre una traza.

In descriptive geometry, folding consists of rotating a plane over a trace.

Technical geometric definition.

El abatimiento del sospechoso por parte de la policía generó una gran controversia mediática.

The shooting down of the suspect by the police generated great media controversy.

Specific use meaning 'killing' or 'taking down'.

La prosa de Cioran destila un abatimiento metafísico que desafía cualquier intento de consuelo.

Cioran's prose exudes a metaphysical dejection that defies any attempt at comfort.

Destila means 'distills' or 'exudes'.

El abatimiento de los precios de las materias primas provocó una recesión sin precedentes en la región.

The collapse of raw material prices caused an unprecedented recession in the region.

Sin precedentes means 'unprecedented'.

Se requiere un cálculo preciso del abatimiento para corregir el rumbo del navío en condiciones de temporal.

A precise calculation of the leeway is required to correct the ship's course in storm conditions.

Temporal means 'storm'.

El abatimiento de la soberanía nacional ante organismos supranacionales es un tema recurrente en la política actual.

The erosion of national sovereignty before supranational organizations is a recurring theme in current politics.

Figurative use meaning 'weakening' or 'lowering'.

Su espíritu, antaño indomable, sucumbió finalmente a un abatimiento lánguido y definitivo.

His spirit, once indomable, finally succumbed to a languid and definitive dejection.

Antaño means 'in the past'.

El abatimiento de las piezas de caza mayor está sujeto a un estricto calendario cinegético.

The culling of big game pieces is subject to a strict hunting calendar.

Cinegético refers to hunting.

La arquitectura moderna a menudo juega con el abatimiento de volúmenes para crear espacios dinámicos.

Modern architecture often plays with the folding of volumes to create dynamic spaces.

Architectural use.

El poema concluye con una imagen de abatimiento absoluto, donde el silencio lo inunda todo.

The poem concludes with an image of absolute dejection, where silence floods everything.

Inunda means 'floods'.

Common Collocations

profundo abatimiento

abatimiento moral

abatimiento físico

vencer el abatimiento

caer en el abatimiento

abatimiento de los precios

abatimiento de planos

mostrar abatimiento

abatimiento de la caza

estado de abatimiento

Common Phrases

Sumirse en el abatimiento

— To sink into a state of deep dejection. It implies a slow and heavy descent into sadness.

Se sumió en el abatimiento tras perder su casa en el incendio.

Cierta dosis de abatimiento

— A certain amount of dejection. Used to describe a mild but noticeable low mood.

Había una cierta dosis de abatimiento en sus palabras.

Abatimiento de ánimos

— A general lowering of spirits in a group. Often used in political or social commentary.

El abatimiento de ánimos en la oficina era palpable hoy.

Punto de abatimiento

— The lowest point of one's morale or energy. A critical moment of defeat.

Llegó a un punto de abatimiento del que pensó que no saldría.

Abatimiento extremo

— An extreme state of being beaten down. Often used in clinical descriptions.

El paciente mostraba signos de abatimiento extremo y fatiga.

Luchar contra el abatimiento

— To fight against the feeling of dejection. Indicates an active effort to feel better.

Es importante luchar contra el abatimiento cada día.

Reflejar abatimiento

— To show dejection through one's appearance or actions. Visible sadness.

Su cara reflejaba un abatimiento que conmovía a todos.

Abatimiento de la demanda

— A significant drop in demand for a product or service. Formal economic term.

El abatimiento de la demanda de carbón ha cerrado muchas minas.

Clima de abatimiento

— An atmosphere of dejection. Used for groups or environments.

Un clima de abatimiento envolvió la ciudad tras el terremoto.

Sin rastro de abatimiento

— Without a trace of dejection. Used to describe someone who remains strong.

Habló con firmeza, sin rastro de abatimiento en su voz.

Often Confused With

abatimiento vs abaratamiento

Abaratamiento means making something cheaper. Abatimiento means dejection.

abatimiento vs aburrimiento

Aburrimiento means boredom. Abatimiento is much deeper and sadder.

abatimiento vs abastecimiento

Abastecimiento means supply or provisioning. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar por los suelos"

— To be extremely low (spirits or morale). This is a common idiomatic way to describe abatimiento.

Después de la noticia, su ánimo está por los suelos.

informal

"Tener la moral por los pies"

— To have very low morale. Similar to 'por los suelos'.

El equipo tiene la moral por los pies tras tantas derrotas.

informal

"Venirse abajo"

— To collapse emotionally. The action that leads to a state of abatimiento.

Cuando se enteró de la verdad, se vino abajo por completo.

neutral

"Estar de capa caída"

— To be in a state of decline or discouragement. An old idiom.

Desde que cerró su negocio, Pedro está de capa caída.

neutral

"Hundirse en la miseria"

— To sink into misery. A very dramatic way to describe extreme abatimiento.

No dejes que se hunda en la miseria por ese pequeño error.

informal

"Perder los estribos"

— While usually meaning 'to lose one's temper', it can sometimes refer to losing one's emotional balance entirely.

Con tanto abatimiento, acabó perdiendo los estribos.

neutral

"Tocar fondo"

— To hit rock bottom. The absolute lowest state of abatimiento.

Tuvo que tocar fondo para darse cuenta de que necesitaba ayuda.

neutral

"Estar hecho polvo"

— To be 'turned to dust', meaning to be extremely tired or emotionally crushed.

Estoy hecho polvo después de este día tan malo.

informal

"No levantar cabeza"

— To not be able to 'raise one's head', meaning to be unable to recover from a state of abatimiento.

Desde que murió su perro, no levanta cabeza.

informal

"Cerrarse en banda"

— To close oneself off. Often a result of deep abatimiento.

Ante el abatimiento, se cerró en banda y no quiso hablar con nadie.

neutral

Easily Confused

abatimiento vs abatido

It is the adjective form.

Abatimiento is the noun (the state), while abatido is the adjective (the description of the person).

Él está abatido (adj). Siente abatimiento (noun).

abatimiento vs abate

Sounds like the English verb 'abate'.

In Spanish, 'abate' is a form of the verb 'abatir' or a noun for a clergyman. It is not the noun for dejection.

El viento abate (verb) el ánimo.

abatimiento vs decaimiento

Similar meaning.

Decaimiento is often more physical or temporary. Abatimiento is usually deeper and more emotional.

Tiene un ligero decaimiento por la gripe.

abatimiento vs desaliento

Both mean losing heart.

Desaliento is literally 'loss of breath/spirit'. Abatimiento is being 'knocked down'.

El desaliento le impidió terminar la carrera.

abatimiento vs tristeza

General word for sadness.

Tristeza is a broad emotion. Abatimiento is a specific state of collapse and low energy.

Su tristeza se convirtió en un profundo abatimiento.

Sentence Patterns

Él tiene [noun].

Él tiene abatimiento.

Siento [noun] por [reason].

Siento abatimiento por el perro.

No dejes que el [noun] te [verb-subjunctive].

No dejes que el abatimiento te detenga.

Un [adjective] [noun] se apoderó de [person].

Un profundo abatimiento se apoderó de María.

El [noun] de [concept] es evidente.

El abatimiento de la moral es evidente.

[Noun] de [technical concept].

Abatimiento de los muros de carga.

A pesar del [noun]...

A pesar del abatimiento, seguimos.

Es un síntoma de [noun].

Es un síntoma de abatimiento físico.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-high in written Spanish; medium-low in spoken Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Confusing it with 'abaratamiento'. → El abaratamiento de los productos.
Abaratamiento refers to price reduction, not emotional state.
Using 'la' instead of 'el'. → El abatimiento.
Words ending in -miento are masculine.
Saying 'estoy abatimiento'. → Siento abatimiento.
You cannot 'be' a noun. You feel a noun or are an adjective.
Using it for minor boredom. → Siento aburrimiento.
Abatimiento is too strong for just being bored.
Misplacing the stress. → a-ba-ti-MIEN-to
Learners often stress the 'ti' or the 'a'.

Tips

Learn the family

If you learn 'abatir' (verb), 'abatido' (adj), and 'abatimiento' (noun) together, you will understand the concept much better. All involve 'bringing something down'.

Use with 'profundo'

'Un profundo abatimiento' is one of the most natural sounding collocations in Spanish. Use it to describe intense emotional states.

Context is key

When you see this word in a news headline, check if it's about a person (sadness) or a criminal (shooting down). The meaning changes significantly.

Listen to the stress

Remember the stress is on the 'MIEN' syllable. Practice saying 'a-ba-ti-MIEN-to' several times to get the rhythm right.

Noun vs Adjective

Don't confuse 'abatimiento' with 'abatido'. You feel the first, but you ARE the second.

Literary flavor

Using 'abatimiento' in your writing gives it a literary or sophisticated touch that simpler words like 'tristeza' lack.

The 'battery' trick

Imagine a battery icon at 0%. That is the visual representation of 'abatimiento'.

Radio news

Listen to Spanish radio news (like RNE or Cadena SER). You will often hear this word in reports about social or economic issues.

Don't over-synonymize

While 'desánimo' is similar, 'abatimiento' is stronger. Use 'abatimiento' for life-changing events, not just a bad day.

Geometry usage

If you study technical drawing in Spanish, you will use 'abatimiento' to describe rotating a plane. It's a very specific but useful term.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'ABATE'. When your energy or spirits ABATE, you are in a state of ABATIMIENTO. Or imagine a 'BAT' hitting your spirits down to the 'GROUND' (abati-miento).

Visual Association

Visualize a person sitting on the ground with their head in their hands and a dark cloud above them. Their energy has been 'beaten down'.

Word Web

Tristeza Cansancio Derrota Bajar Espíritu Fuerza Moral Ánimo

Challenge

Try to use 'abatimiento' in a sentence describing a character in a movie you recently watched. Focus on their physical appearance.

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish verb 'abatir', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'abbattuere'. This Latin root is a combination of 'ad-' (to) and 'battuere' (to beat or strike).

Original meaning: The original sense was 'to beat down' or 'to knock down', which evolved into the figurative sense of knocking down someone's spirits.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it in a medical context; it can imply a serious clinical state. In some contexts, 'abatimiento' can also refer to the killing of a suspect, so use caution in news-related discussions.

English speakers might use 'depression' more loosely, whereas 'abatimiento' specifically captures the 'beaten down' feeling.

Used frequently in the works of Miguel de Unamuno to describe the spiritual crisis of Spain. Appears in the poetry of Pablo Neruda when describing loneliness and loss. Commonly found in Spanish translations of Dostoevsky to describe his characters' moods.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Loss or Grief

abatimiento por la muerte
profundo abatimiento
sumirse en el abatimiento
superar el abatimiento

Economics

abatimiento de precios
abatimiento de la demanda
abatimiento de los mercados
abatimiento económico

Health/Medicine

abatimiento físico
estado de abatimiento
abatimiento y fatiga
síntomas de abatimiento

Navigation/Nautical

ángulo de abatimiento
corregir el abatimiento
abatimiento por el viento
calcular el abatimiento

Legal/Police

abatimiento del delincuente
orden de abatimiento
abatimiento en defensa propia
confirmar el abatimiento

Conversation Starters

"¿Alguna vez has sentido un profundo abatimiento después de un gran esfuerzo?"

"¿Cómo crees que se puede vencer el abatimiento en momentos de crisis?"

"¿Has notado un clima de abatimiento en tu ciudad últimamente?"

"¿Qué diferencias ves entre el abatimiento y la tristeza común?"

"¿Crees que el abatimiento de los precios es siempre bueno para el consumidor?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un momento de tu vida en el que el abatimiento se apoderó de ti y cómo lograste salir de él.

Escribe sobre una película o libro donde el protagonista sufra un gran abatimiento moral.

Reflexiona sobre cómo el abatimiento físico afecta a tu productividad diaria.

Imagina que eres un capitán de barco; describe cómo el abatimiento del viento afecta tu rumbo.

Analiza las causas del abatimiento generalizado en la sociedad actual según tu opinión.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sí, es bastante común en libros, periódicos y contextos formales, aunque en el habla cotidiana se suelen usar palabras más sencillas como 'tristeza' o 'bajón'.

No, 'abatimiento' es mucho más fuerte que el aburrimiento. Implica una falta de esperanza y energía, no solo falta de entretenimiento.

La 'depresión' suele referirse a un diagnóstico clínico de larga duración, mientras que el 'abatimiento' puede ser un estado temporal o un síntoma visible de ese estado.

Sí, es muy común escuchar a los comentaristas hablar del 'abatimiento' de los jugadores después de perder un partido importante.

Las traducciones más comunes son 'dejection', 'depression', 'despondency' o, en contextos técnicos, 'leeway' o 'reduction'.

Es una palabra masculina: el abatimiento. Casi todas las palabras terminadas en -miento son masculinas.

El verbo es 'abatir', que significa derribar, bajar o hacer perder el ánimo.

No, eso es incorrecto. Debes decir 'siento abatimiento' (noun) o 'estoy abatido' (adjective).

Sí, los médicos lo usan para describir a un paciente que está muy débil y sin fuerzas físicas.

Sí, en navegación es el desvío de un barco de su rumbo debido al viento lateral.