rock-bottom

1 of 2

adjective

rock-bot·​tom ˈräk-ˈbä-təm 

: being the very lowest

rock-bottom prices

also : fundamental

the rock-bottom question

rock bottom

2 of 2

noun

: the lowest or most fundamental part or level

Synonyms of rock-bottom

Adjective

• low
• lower
• bottom

Noun

• bottom
• foot
• base

Examples of rock-bottom in a Sentence

Adjective

rock-bottom prices on home electronics

Noun

After years of heavy drug use, she has finally reached rock bottom.

Their marriage has hit rock bottom.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Rockies — coming off a rock-bottom 43-119 season — spent the offseason looking for pitchers who actually mean it. —Sam Blum, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

The basic things — paying the electric bill, going to the doctor, keeping a roof over your head — get more expensive every day, while wages stay rock-bottom and jobs get harder and harder to find. —Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026

Noun

Hitting rock bottom and coming back But the success of his music did not set up the singer for the rest of his life. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026

Both modes should experience some volatility, because when ocean carriers go back to the Red Sea, schedule reliability will probably hit rock bottom. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rock bottom

noun

: the lowest point or level