bottom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bottom" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to the lowest part of something, a position, or a state of being. Example: "The bottom of the ocean is home to many unique species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But any irony involved in a coalition government that came to power pledging to scrap identity cards introducing a system of foreign residence permits will be lost as the political parties indulge in "a race to the bottom" over immigration.

The Guardian

But we have to understand this may not be the bottom".

The Guardian

It's not people with experience in banking or business whom Labour desperately needs, but people who know how to build a political movement from the bottom up.

The Guardian - Opinion

But normal service was resumed as goals from George Tucudean in the 28th minute and Johnnie Jackson in the 51st minute got the Addicks back to winning ways despite Dean Moxey pulling one back for the visitors, who remain in the bottom three.

The Guardian - Sport

In January, final approvals were granted to dump three million cubic metres of dredged ocean bottom into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to make way for a new coal terminal.

The Guardian

Hearts finished fifth in the Scottish Premier League, while Hibs finished second from bottom of the table, with relegated Dunfermline Athletic beneath them.

The Guardian - Sport

Likewise his chip at the 12th, down at the bottom of Amen Corner.

The Guardian - Sport

The outcome lifted the Bergamaschi to 12th and kept the bottom side Catania winless on the road this season.

The Guardian - Sport

After the final whistle the odd supporter used social media to allege that Carver – whose suddenly relegation-threatened side are now only five points above the bottom three and visit renascent Leicester on Saturday – had sworn at his detractors, before issuing an invitation "outside" for a fight.

The Guardian - Sport

According to the report: "The size of the benefit to families with children from the new child-care package is, in any case, much smaller in magnitude than the cuts proposed in the 2014‐15 budget which will still clearly leave families at the bottom end of the income spectrum significantly worse off in absolute and percentage terms.

The Guardian

Unlike many parts of the country where women have shed traditional regional attire, the women of Qeshm and Hormuz mostly wear the colourful bandari pants, loose at the top and tight at the bottom with vibrant embroidery.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, use "bottom line" to clearly convey the net profit or final result. Avoid using "bottom" alone in financial discussions to prevent confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "bottom" when you specifically mean "bottom line" in financial or business contexts. "Bottom line" has a precise meaning (net profit), while "bottom" alone is too vague and can lead to misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The word "bottom" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the lowest part of something. It can also function as an adjective, describing something that is located at the lowest position, or as a verb, meaning to reach the lowest point or to be the submissive in a BDSM context. Ludwig's examples showcase these varied uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "bottom" is a versatile word with meanings spanning from the lowest point of something to a role in BDSM relationships. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it can function as a noun, adjective, or verb, adapting to a variety of contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its meaning can become specialized or informal depending on the subject matter. Usage is very common, especially in news, sports, and lifestyle content. Remember to consider the specific context to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing. This word is generally correct, so you can keep using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rock bottom

Highlights the absolute lowest possible level or state, intensifies the sense of "bottom" in a negative context.

base

Refers to the lowest part or foundation of something, similar to "bottom" but often used in a more structural sense.

lowest point

Indicates the minimum or most depressed level, akin to "bottom" when referring to a low state or position.

foot

Relates to the lower part of something, especially in contexts like the "foot" of a mountain or page.

underside

Denotes the surface facing downwards, comparable to "bottom" when describing an object's lower surface.

depths

Emphasizes the deep or lowest parts, similar to "bottom" when indicating the most profound or submerged areas.

lower part

A more general term for the "bottom" portion, suitable when less emphasis on the absolute lowest position is needed.

nadir

Signifies the lowest point in a person's fortunes or the lowest point of a celestial body, similar to "bottom" when used metaphorically.

buttocks

Specifically refers to the posterior, offering a physical body-part alternative to one sense of "bottom".

anus

More specific term relating to the posterior anatomy, closely linked to one physical meaning of the word "bottom".

FAQs

How is the term "bottom" used in anatomy?

In anatomy, "bottom" can refer colloquially to the buttocks or anus. More formal terms are "buttocks" or "anus".

What does it mean to say something is at "rock bottom"?

Saying something is at "rock bottom" implies it has reached its absolute lowest point, often in a negative or undesirable situation. It suggests there is no further decline possible.

When is it appropriate to use "bottom line" in writing?

"Bottom line" is appropriate when discussing the essential point or the net profit of a business. For example, "The "bottom line" is we need to increase sales" or "The "bottom line" showed a significant loss this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "at the bottom of"?

Alternatives to "at the bottom of" include "at the base of", "at the foot of", or "underneath", depending on the context. For example, "at the "base of" the mountain" or "underneath the pile".