bottom feeder

or bot·tom-feed·er

[ bot-uhm fee-der ]

noun

1. bottom fish.
2. an opportunist, as in politics or business:

   bottom feeders who buy up commercial failures.

3. a person or thing having low status or value; loser:

   bottom feeders hanging out in seedy bars.

4. a person who appeals to base instincts:

   Gossip columnists are the bottom feeders of journalism.

bottom feeder

noun

1. a fish that feeds on material at the bottom of a river, lake, sea, etc
2. an objectionable and unimpressive person or thing
3. Also calledbottom fisher a speculator who buys shares in companies that are performing poorly in anticipation of improved performance

Word History and Origins

Origin of bottom feeder¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The tabloid’s reporting on Edwards won new respect for a publication that had been derided as a bottom feeder in news media circles.

From Seattle Times

In Weidman’s novel, the main character, a garment industry climber named Harry Bogen, is an impenitent snake, a moral bottom feeder who knows no bottom.

From New York Times

Many considered him a bottom feeder, and some said so to his face.

From Seattle Times

But this is what the Trojans, who did not lose to any Pac-12 bottom feeder this season like UCLA, have provided us: The chance to happily keep dreaming.

From Los Angeles Times

Add critical personnel deficiencies — Eastern Michigan rushed for 305 yards — and a brutal upcoming schedule, and ASU could quickly join Colorado as a season-long bottom feeder.

From Seattle Times