low-water mark

noun

1. the lowest point reached by a low tide.
2. something indicating the bottom of a decline.
3. the lowest or least admirable level:

   the low-water mark of political chicanery.

low-water mark

noun

1. the level reached by seawater at low tide or by other stretches of water at their lowest level
2. the lowest point or level; nadir

Word History and Origins

Origin of low-water mark¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

The league’s low-water mark has been set in three consecutive seasons.

From FiveThirtyEight

The stock market hit its low on Day 50 of the Obama administration – and has more than doubled from that low water mark since.

From The Daily Beast

The boundary of a natural pond or lake, either in its natural state or raised artificially, is low-water mark.

From Project Gutenberg

The tide of fortune having touched low-water mark, the usual gentle stage of improvement set in.

From Project Gutenberg

The production of The Whore of Babylon marks the low-water mark of his unfortunate career.

From Project Gutenberg

However, by State rulings within the present century, Brooklyn was permitted to exercise jurisdiction to low-water mark.

From Project Gutenberg

The species are to be found from low-water mark to a depth of one hundred fathoms or more.

From Project Gutenberg