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

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

After bidding an emotional farewell to a sport that was her whole life, Jade Jones was in the perfect position to retire having reached the pinnacle in taekwondo.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 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

Taking the helm at a major news organization is the pinnacle of a journalist’s career.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Only moments before, Pinmei had decided the horse was the pinnacle of beauty, but now she found herself reconsidering.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

Related Words

• apex
• culmination
• greatest
• height
• peak