low-water mark

noun

1. the lowest point reached by a low tide.
2. something indicating the bottom of a decline.
3. the lowest or least admirable level:

   the low-water mark of political chicanery.

low-water mark

noun

1. the level reached by seawater at low tide or by other stretches of water at their lowest level
2. the lowest point or level; nadir

Word History and Origins

Origin of low-water mark¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

Nine months ago, the Weeknd used a professional high point to herald what may end up the low-water mark of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

And it’s possible this period represents Walker’s low-water mark.

From New York Times

“It certainly is a low-water mark. But two of the next three Olympics are going to be blockbusters for NBC.”

From Seattle Times

It looked as though they had crossed the midway point of their schedule by delivering their season’s low-water mark.

From Los Angeles Times

Russia’s parliamentary elections — taking place amid Putin’s withering crackdown on opposition — run Friday to Sunday and, to many Putin opponents, are another low-water mark for Russia’s post-Soviet democracy.

From Washington Post