rock bottom

¹

noun

1. the very lowest level.

   He went bankrupt and touched rock bottom.

rock-bottom

²

[rok-bot-uhm]

adjective

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

   rock-bottom prices.

rock bottom

noun

1. 1. the lowest possible level

   2. ( as modifier )

      rock-bottom prices

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock bottom¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Origin of rock bottom²

First recorded in 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

• nadir