Abject (adjective)

1. Most unfortunate or miserable.
2. Showing utter hopelessness.
3. Having lost all dignity and self-respect.
4. Degraded or dishonored.

Origin:

From latin abiectus, past participle of abicere, to cast off, from ab- + iacere to throw.

Examples:

1. The refugees were living in abject poverty, with no access to food, water, or shelter.
2. The abject failure of the project was a disappointment to everyone involved.
3. The abject apology did little to ease the anger of the victim's family.
4. The abject living conditions of the homeless people shocked the volunteers.
5. His abject surrender left him vulnerable to further abuse.