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Synonyms

rock bottom

1 American  

noun

  1. the very lowest level.

    He went bankrupt and touched rock bottom.
rock-bottom 2 American  
[rok-bot-uhm] / ˈrɒkˈbɒt əm /

adjective

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

    rock-bottom prices.
rock bottom British  

noun

    1. the lowest possible level

    2. ( as modifier )

      rock-bottom prices
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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]

Etymology

Origin of rock bottom1

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Origin of rock-bottom2

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

United were not at rock bottom when Carrick replaced Darren Fletcher, who had spent two games as interim boss, on 13 January.

From BBC

Volumes in the freight industry haven’t recovered yet, but the economics of delivery might just have hit rock bottom, with major shippers turning away volume.

From Barron's

"I think it's within everyone to hit rock bottom and to find themselves in a big hole like that," said Williams, when filming finished.

From BBC

Monday's opponents Italy, meanwhile, were rock bottom of the standings having won just one game, and had no hope of qualifying.

From BBC

They remain third and can strengthen their position with victory at rock bottom Wolves on Friday.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.