Definition

Noun: 1. The lowest possible level or point: The most extreme state of decline, failure, or depression, beyond which one cannot go. 2. A state of complete destitution or despair: Often used to describe the lowest emotional, financial, or social condition a person or thing can experience.

Usage

The term "rock bottom" is used to emphasize that a situation cannot get any worse. It is often preceded by the preposition "at" or "hit." - It describes a definitive low point from which recovery or improvement is the only possible direction. - Commonly used in contexts of personal struggle, economics, and morale.

Examples

• After losing his job and his home, he felt he had finally hit rock bottom.
• The company's stock price has reached rock bottom and is now starting to recover.
• She knew she needed help when her addiction brought her to rock bottom.

Advanced Usage

• To hit rock bottom: To reach the lowest possible state.
  • After the divorce, he hit rock bottom emotionally.
• At rock bottom: Being in the lowest possible state.
  • Morale in the office is at rock bottom after the layoffs.

Variants and Related Words

• Rock-bottom (adjective): Used attributively to describe something at its lowest possible level.
  • We bought the house at a rock-bottom price.

Synonyms

• Nadir
• Lowest point
• Depth
• Bottom

Related Idioms

• The bottom has fallen out: A similar idiom suggesting a sudden collapse to a very low state.
  • After the scandal, the bottom fell out of his political career.

Noun

1. the absolute bottom