at a low ebb

Idioms  

1. At a low point, in a state of decline or depression. For example, The current recession has put our business at a low ebb. This idiom transfers the low point of a tide to a decline in human affairs. [Mid-1600s]

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Example Sentences

Immigration was at a low ebb, and nearly all Americans were born here.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

The chemical makers have high forward price/earnings ratios because profitability is at a low ebb in the chemical cycle right now.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

It came at a time, too, when the search for life elsewhere in the Solar System was at a low ebb.

From Scientific American • Oct. 18, 2023

Wilson took over the theatre when its finances were at a low ebb and he built the membership base to more than 10,000.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2023

Doug was hell-bent on joining the summit push, even though his throat was still bothering him and his strength seemed to be at a low ebb.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer