pinnacle

American  

[pin-uh-kuhl] / ˈpɪn ə kəl /

noun

1. a lofty peak.

2. the highest or culminating point, as of success, power, fame, etc..

   the pinnacle of one's career.

   Synonyms:

   zenith, summit, peak, acme, apex

   Antonyms:

   nadir

3. any pointed, towering part or formation, as of rock.

   Synonyms:

   needle

4. Architecture. a relatively small, upright structure, commonly terminating in a gable, a pyramid, or a cone, rising above the roof or coping of a building, or capping a tower, buttress, or other projecting architectural member.

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verb (used with object)

pinnacled, pinnacling

1. to place on or as on a pinnacle.

2. to form a pinnacle on; crown.

pinnacle British  

/ ˈpɪnəkəl /

noun

1. the highest point or level, esp of fame, success, etc

2. a towering peak, as of a mountain

3. a slender upright structure in the form of a cone, pyramid, or spire on the top of a buttress, gable, or tower

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verb

1. to set on or as if on a pinnacle

2. to furnish with a pinnacle or pinnacles

3. to crown with a pinnacle

Usage

What does pinnacle mean? A pinnacle is the highest point of something, especially success or fame. The pinnacle of a person’s career, for example, is the point at which they are most successful in their field.In a literal sense, a pinnacle is a tall peak of a mountain.In architecture, a pinnacle is an upright structure (usually some kind of cone, pyramid, or spire) that rises up from the roof of a building or caps a tower.Example: Reaching the pinnacle of Sagarmāthā was the pinnacle of my mountaineering career.

Etymology

Origin of pinnacle

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pinacle, from Middle French, from Late Latin pinnāculum “gable,” equivalent to Latin pinn(a) “raised part of a parapet,” literally, “wing, feather ” ( pinna ) + -āculum; tabernacle

Example Sentences

She will have another rebuild ahead of her immediately after getting to the pinnacle of the sport during back-to-back campaigns.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

When it was originally listed at the end of last year, the home was described as an “architectural masterpiece” that “defines the pinnacle of luxury waterfront living.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

As an avid racing fan, Turner views the Festival as "the pinnacle of the sport" but also understands why some regard it as a "no-brainer" to go abroad.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Two and a half years later, Israel stands at the pinnacle of its power in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Even though the Olympics had been the pinnacle of my athletic career, it had only created a jumping-off point for the rest of my life.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• apex
• culmination
• greatest
• height
• peak