Definition

Noun: 1. A line or point marking the highest level reached: This is the literal meaning, referring to the highest level that water (such as from a tide or flood) has reached, often visibly marked on a shore, structure, or object. 2. The peak or zenith of something; the highest point of achievement, success, or quality: This is the figurative meaning, used to describe the most successful or advanced stage in the development of something.

Usage Examples

• The flood left a clear high-water mark on the walls of the buildings.
• The company's profits last year represented the high-water mark for the entire decade.
• Many critics consider that album to be the high-water mark of the band's career.

Advanced Usage

• "to reach/hit a high-water mark": To achieve a peak level.
  • The team's performance in the championship game hit a high-water mark they have not matched since.
• "to stand as a high-water mark": To be recognized as the peak example.
  • Her groundbreaking research stands as a high-water mark in the field of genetics.

Variants and Related Words

• High-water (adjective): Pertaining to or occurring at high tide or a high water level.
  • The high-water level is predicted for noon.
• High tide (noun): The state of the tide when at its highest level. This is a related concept but not a variant of the phrase "high-water mark."
• Low-water mark (noun): The opposite; the lowest level reached.

Synonyms

• Peak
• Zenith
• Pinnacle
• Culmination
• Apogee
• Climax

Antonyms

• Low point
• Nadir
• Low-water mark
• Trough

Related Idioms

• "The high tide of (something)": A period of greatest success or influence. This idiom is conceptually similar to the figurative use of "high-water mark."
  • The 1960s were the high tide of the civil rights movement.

Noun

1. a line marking the highest level reached