rock bottom

¹

noun

1. the very lowest level:

   He went bankrupt and touched rock bottom.

rock-bottom

²

[ rok-bot-uhm ]

adjective

1. at the lowest possible limit or level; extremely low:

   rock-bottom prices.

rock bottom

noun

1. 1. the lowest possible level
   2. ( as modifier )

      rock-bottom prices

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock bottom¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Origin of rock bottom²

First recorded in 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

The lowest possible level, absolute bottom, as in Wheat prices have reached rock bottom . This idiom alludes to the presence of bedrock that prevents digging farther down. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

At the start of 2020, Michigan-based Lexa VanDamme was at her financial rock bottom.

From Washington Blade

Four years later, England reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2004 and Germany reached rock bottom.

From Time

He had left the active duty military and hit what he has since called his personal “rock bottom,” including a suicide attempt.

From The Daily Beast

The episode of Girls airing this Sunday has Marnie hitting what, for all intents and purposes, should be considered rock bottom.

From The Daily Beast

Remember when we all thought Miley Cyrus careering head first towards rock bottom just because she twerked?

From The Daily Beast

After excising him from her life completely, Hannah is rescued from rock bottom of an emotional meltdown by Adam (Adam Driver).

From The Daily Beast

How did your superstar writer rock band, the Rock Bottom Remainders, form?

From The Daily Beast

Do you think we noticed the red oilcloth table cover, the dingy lamp, and the rock-bottom sofa?

From Project Gutenberg

It was while I was in Birmingham that the industrial depression reached rock bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

He had been brought up in an outdoor school which taught that the rock-bottom factor of a man's character is gameness.

From Project Gutenberg

For a large part of its course the Elkhorn flows over rock bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

The water flows swiftly over its sandy bed, but Mr. K. says "there is rock bottom here."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• nadir