low-water mark

American  

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.

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low-water mark British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of low-water mark

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

“The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Nordic neighbors such as Sweden, Finland, and Norway all fall squarely within this range. Denmark represents the low-water mark.”

From Barron's

Nine months ago, the Weeknd used a professional high point to herald what may end up the low-water mark of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

And it’s possible this period represents Walker’s low-water mark.

From New York Times

“It certainly is a low-water mark. But two of the next three Olympics are going to be blockbusters for NBC.”

From Seattle Times

It looked as though they had crossed the midway point of their schedule by delivering their season’s low-water mark.

From Los Angeles Times