rock bottom

¹ American  

noun

1. the very lowest level.

   He went bankrupt and touched rock bottom.

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rock-bottom ² American  

[rok-bot-uhm] / ˈrɒkˈbɒt əm /

adjective

1. at the lowest possible limit or level; extremely low.

   rock-bottom prices.

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rock bottom British  

noun

1. 1. the lowest possible level

   2. ( as modifier )

      rock-bottom prices

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rock bottom Idioms  

1. The lowest possible level, absolute bottom, as in Wheat prices have reached rock bottom. This idiom alludes to the presence of bedrock that prevents digging farther down. [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of rock bottom¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Origin of rock-bottom²

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

When he woke up outside on a stranger’s futon with no money to his name, he knew he’d hit rock bottom.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

After hitting rock bottom with Grinch, USC gave up 10 fewer points per game under Lynn and nearly 50 fewer yards per game on the ground.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

A third consecutive defeat in as many outings ensured that they finished rock bottom of Group F, below heavyweights Ivory Coast and Cameroon, but also Mozambique.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

Or perhaps his reputation is already at rock bottom and this will only reinforce existing negative impressions.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

The words is so clear in my head and right now is my only chance for her to really hear me, standing barefoot and rock bottom on the gas station phone.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Related Words

• nadir