at a record low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a record low" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a particular measurement or statistic has reached its lowest point in history or in a specific timeframe. Example: "The unemployment rate has fallen to a record low, indicating a strong recovery in the job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unemployment is at a record low.

The Economist

Youth unemployment is at a record low.

The Economist

Yields are at a record low.

The Economist

Two years ago it was at a record low: 1.72.

The Guardian - Sport

Escapes from open jails are at a record low.

The Guardian

Supply of properties was at a record low, it added.

The Guardian - Money

The traffic fatality rate is at a record low.

The New York Times

Bonds: yields on two-year gilts at a record low.

The Guardian - Business

Morale and membership are at a record low.

The Economist

Yet today, NHS waiting lists are at a record low.

Independent

Turnout was at a record low of just above 50%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a record low", ensure you specify the context or timeframe to which the record low refers. For instance, "Unemployment is at a record low for the past decade" provides clearer context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "at a record low", it directly causes another event. For example, stating "Interest rates are at a record low, therefore the economy is booming" is a logical fallacy. Low interest rates might contribute, but aren't the sole cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a record low" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes the state of a measurable quantity, indicating it has reached its lowest recorded value. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a record low" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase used to describe a measurable quantity that has reached its lowest recorded value. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to business analyses. While the primary context is news and media, it also appears in more formal business settings and has very similar alternatives such as ""all-time low"" or ""historically low"". When using "at a record low", it is crucial to provide specific context and avoid jumping to unsubstantiated causal conclusions. Always ensure you use the phrase correctly and explore other possibilities to accurately convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historically low

Focuses on the historical aspect of being at the lowest point.

all-time low

Similar to "at a record low", emphasizing that the level is the lowest it has ever been.

unprecedentedly low

Highlights the lack of precedent for such a low level.

lowest on record

Similar meaning, but slightly different word order and emphasis.

dipping to a low

Implies a downward trend culminating in a low point.

plummeting to a low

Suggests a rapid decrease to a low level.

reaching a nadir

Uses a more technical term (nadir) for the lowest point.

bottoming out

Implies reaching the lowest point after a decline, often suggesting a potential reversal.

at its weakest

Describes a state of diminished strength or value.

remarkably low

Highlights the surprisingly low level of something.

FAQs

How do I use "at a record low" in a sentence?

Use "at a record low" to describe a situation where a specific metric has reached its lowest recorded value. For example, "The company's debt is "at a record low" this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "at a record low"?

Alternatives include "historically low", "all-time low", or "unprecedentedly low". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at an all-time low" instead of "at a record low"?

Yes, "at an all-time low" is a very similar and often interchangeable phrase with "at a record low". Both indicate that something has reached its lowest point ever recorded.

What's the difference between "dipping to a low" and "at a record low"?

"Dipping to a low" implies a recent decrease leading to a low point, while "at a record low" simply states that the current level is the lowest ever recorded, without necessarily implying a recent change. One indicates a trend, and the other, a state.