bottom feeder

American  

[bot-uhm fee-der] / ˈbɒt əm ˌfi dər /

Sometimes bottom-fisher or bottom-feeder

noun

1. bottom fish.

2. an opportunist, as in politics or business.

   bottom feeders who buy up commercial failures.

3. a person or thing having low status or value; loser.

   bottom feeders hanging out in seedy bars.

4. a person who appeals to base instincts.

   Gossip columnists are the bottom feeders of journalism.

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bottom feeder British  

noun

1. a fish that feeds on material at the bottom of a river, lake, sea, etc

2. an objectionable and unimpressive person or thing

3. Also called: bottom fisher.  a speculator who buys shares in companies that are performing poorly in anticipation of improved performance

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Etymology

Origin of bottom feeder

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bottom feeder

In Weidman’s novel, the main character, a garment industry climber named Harry Bogen, is an impenitent snake, a moral bottom feeder who knows no bottom.

From New York Times ● Oct. 30, 2023

But this is what the Trojans, who did not lose to any Pac-12 bottom feeder this season like UCLA, have provided us: The chance to happily keep dreaming.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 15, 2022

Langley, who went 126-61 during her six-year tenure at Rice, established a reputation as a program builder after resurrecting a Conference USA bottom feeder that was 9-21 the season before her arrival.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 12, 2021

Meyer’s actions were the latest embarrassment for a franchise that’s been mostly a bottom feeder since Khan took over in 2012.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 5, 2021

When this program gains control, it is powerful enough to load the actual OS and hand control over to it. :bottom feeder: /n./

From The Jargon File, Version 4.0.0, 24 Jul 1996 by Raymond, Eric S.