rock bottom

¹ American  

noun

1. the very lowest level.

   He went bankrupt and touched rock bottom.

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rock-bottom ² American  

[rok-bot-uhm] / ˈrɒkˈbɒt əm /

adjective

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

   rock-bottom prices.

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rock bottom British  

noun

1. 1. the lowest possible level

   2. ( as modifier )

      rock-bottom prices

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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]

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Etymology

Origin of rock bottom¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Origin of rock-bottom²

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

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 • Mar. 18, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

When he woke up outside on a stranger’s futon with no money to his name, he knew he’d hit rock bottom.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

The talent level clearly has hit rock bottom only a year after Alijah Arenas was a McDonald’s All-American at Chatsworth High and Tajh Ariza led Westchester to the City Section Open Division title.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Whenever we hit rock bottom, Elisabet somehow discovers a little cash in her purse.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

• nadir