bottom-feeder

noun

bot·​tom-feed·​er ˈbä-təm-ˌfē-dər How to pronounce bottom-feeder (audio)
1
: a fish that feeds at the bottom
2
: one that is of the lowest status or rank
3
: an opportunist who seeks quick profit usually at the expense of others or from their misfortune
bottom-feeding adjective

Examples of bottom-feeder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Useful tip: Many anglers think of catfish as bottom-feeders that prefer cut bait or stink bait. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 The tide unexpectedly began to turn in 2022, when a team projected for another year as a bottom-feeder instead finished as the best team in the AL to miss the playoffs. Nathan Ruiz, Baltimore Sun, 17 Sep. 2023 The program has made huge gains in the past decade after more than 20 years as a Bowl Subdivision bottom-feeder in the wake of major NCAA sanctions and penalties in the late 1980s. Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2023 Carp, maybe, or catfish, bottom-feeders the ice has brought to the surface. Stuart Dybek, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2023 Under Snyder's stewardship, the Commanders went from one of the NFL's most consistent and iconic franchises to a perennial bottom-feeder. Tom Schad, USA TODAY, 12 May 2023 Now the question is, what fit and future awaits Bedard with whatever bottom-feeder he’ll be charged to resuscitate? Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Apr. 2023 In an irreverent return to form, Tyler flaunts his promiscuity to solidify his position as the richest bottom-feeder in music. Yousef Srour, Variety, 31 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bottom-feeder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bottom-feeder was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near bottom-feeder

Cite this Entry

“Bottom-feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bottom-feeder. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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