rock bottom

Derives from the sub-stratum of the sea-floor, situated below the sand.

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rock bottom (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic) The very lowest possible level.

   Pork belly futures have hit rock bottom.

   • 2021 October 20, Angie Doll explains to Paul Clifton, “We were absolutely at rock bottom...”, in RAIL, number 942, page 34:

     "We were absolutely at rock bottom. Our passengers didn't like us. Our stakeholders didn't like us. Our own staff didn't like us.

   • 2022 August 29, Damian Carrington, “Major sea-level rise caused by melting of Greenland ice cap is ‘now inevitable’”, in The Guardian‎^[1]:

     “It is a very conservative rock-bottom minimum,” said Prof Jason Box from the National Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (Geus), who led the research. “Realistically, we will see this figure more than double within this century.”

   • 2023 June 6, Jim Waterson, Kiran Stacey, quoting Prince Harry, “Britain’s government and press at rock bottom, Prince Harry tells court”, in The Guardian‎^[2], →ISSN:

     Harry told the high court that “our country is judged globally by the state of our press and our government, both of which I believe are at rock bottom”.

2. (idiomatic) The lowest possible state in one’s life, whether mentally, socially, or otherwise; often, a period of extreme mental stress, homelessness, or rejection by all friends and family.

   Some people believe that mental illnesses can't be treated unless the person hits rock bottom first.

   • 2020 October 14, Phil McNulty, “England 0-1 Denmark: 'Harry Maguire looked devoid of confidence in Nations League loss'”, in BBC Sport‎^[3]:

     when referee Jesus Gil Manzano showed him the red card, Maguire resembled an individual who had hit rock bottom.

• Normally part of the phrase to hit rock bottom or reach rock bottom.