At its lowest ebb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At its lowest ebb" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is at its lowest point or in a state of decline. Example: "The economy was at its lowest ebb during the recession, with unemployment rates soaring and businesses closing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At its lowest ebb, the Stockman House had become a dilapidated photo studio.

The New York Times - Travel

Even at its lowest ebb it still produces moments of interest.

The Guardian - Film

And yet even with the fixture at its worst, at its lowest ebb, it still produced at least a degree of drama.

The Guardian - Sport

The country that ruled soccer a decade ago is at its lowest ebb; it has plummeted to 21st in the world, and Tuesday it faces a daunting match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

The New York Times - Sports

The country that ruled soccer a decade ago is at its lowest ebb; it has plummeted to 21st in the world, and on Tuesday, it faces a daunting match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

The New York Times - Sports

He made his fortune through vitamin supplements and moved into football by buying his local club when it was at its lowest ebb, on and off the pitch.

BBC

"While the medical teams put my body back together, taking part in the play gave me back my self-esteem and confidence when it was at its lowest ebb".

BBC

Who can doubt that the reputation of the House of Commons is deeply damaged - that, indeed, it may stand at its lowest ebb since the days of Old Corruption?

The Guardian - Opinion

When we skip meals throughout the day we promote cortisol to rise at night, exactly when it should be at its lowest ebb.

Huffington Post

It is 1980, the city is at its lowest ebb, and Hendricks is escaping a dismal encounter with a call girl.

The Guardian - Books

These men committed to Duke at a time when the program was at its lowest ebb, guaranteed nothing but an opportunity to turn it around.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its lowest ebb" to describe a situation when something has reached its least successful or desirable state. It's often used for economies, organizations, or abstract concepts like morale or reputation.

Common error

While "ebb" refers to the receding of the tide, using "at its lowest ebb" to literally describe the ocean tide is technically correct, but less common. The phrase is usually reserved for figurative use to describe a low point in a situation or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its lowest ebb" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or situation. It indicates that the subject is experiencing its worst condition or a significant decline. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across diverse contexts, highlighting its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its lowest ebb" is a versatile expression used to describe a situation or entity that has reached its lowest point or is in a state of decline. Grammatically correct and commonly used, as affirmed by Ludwig, it finds application across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "at its lowest ebb" is suitable for neutral to formal communication, alternatives like "at its nadir" or "at rock bottom" can be considered based on the desired level of formality. It's important to note that while "ebb" relates to tides, using "at its lowest ebb" for literal tides is less common; its strength lies in figurative application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At its nadir

Replaces "lowest ebb" with "nadir", offering a more formal and precise term for the lowest point.

At rock bottom

An idiomatic expression indicating the absolute lowest possible state.

At its lowest point

A more literal and straightforward alternative, replacing "ebb" with "point".

Experiencing a trough

Uses "trough" to describe a low point, suitable for describing cyclical phenomena.

At a low point

A simpler and more general way of expressing a state that is not at its best.

In a state of decline

Focuses on the process of decline rather than a specific low point; this is less specific.

At its weakest

Highlights a lack of strength or power, suitable when describing entities or systems.

In dire straits

Highlights the severity and difficulty of the situation, implying a low point with significant challenges.

In a downturn

Implies a downward trend or a period of decline, rather than pinpointing the lowest moment.

On the decline

Emphasizes the ongoing process of deterioration, shifting focus from a static low point.

FAQs

What does "at its lowest ebb" mean?

The phrase "at its lowest ebb" describes a state or situation that has reached its lowest point or is in a state of decline. It is often used to describe economies, organizations, or abstract concepts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "at its lowest ebb"?

It is appropriate to use "at its lowest ebb" when you want to emphasize that something has reached its worst state or a particularly low point in its development or condition. For similar alternatives, you can use "at its nadir" or "at rock bottom".

What are some alternatives to saying "at its lowest ebb"?

Some alternatives to "at its lowest ebb" include "at its lowest point", "in a state of decline", or "at rock bottom". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "at its lowest ebb" formal or informal?

The phrase "at its lowest ebb" is generally considered neutral to formal. It can be used in news reports, academic papers, and business communications. However, there might be better options, for some more informal contexts.