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]

Example Sentences

The valuation is at rock bottom, the franchise is still durable, and a big dividend could be on the way.

Read more on Barron's

It’s been a long road back for Hawkins after the program hit rock bottom in 2017 with forfeits, the firing of the coaching staff and an exodus of players.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Not only had I ranked Hope at rock bottom.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Over the course of barely two hours on Sunday, Ferrari’s calamitous Formula One season went from bad to worse to absolute rock bottom.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“What happened is that I hit rock bottom,” said Evans.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• nadir