bottom of the heap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bottom of the heap" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is in a low position or status, often in a social or economic context. Example: "After the layoffs, I felt like I was at the bottom of the heap in the company, struggling to find my place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lin Guohua is at the bottom of the heap.

The Guardian

Of course, we were still at the bottom of the heap, but instantly our moods changed.

The New York Times - Health

The most recent put them near the bottom of the heap.

The Economist

"Wealth you may have, but people like you should remain at the bottom of the Heap".

The Guardian - Books

At the other end, Ascoli, Cremonese, Udinese and Verona finished at the bottom of the heap.

The New York Times - Sports

Tom, a dynamic 80s entrepreneur, mocks Kyra for teaching kids at the bottom of the heap.

The Guardian

There is also a special perspective from the bottom of the heap.

The New York Times

The writers at the bottom of the heap won't be asked.

The New York Times

Bird, on the bottom of the heap early on, has moved into contention.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, the past decade's economic growth has brought the biggest gains to those at the bottom of the heap.

The Economist

Studies and statistics abound, but India is generally at or near the bottom of the heap of women's misery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bottom of the heap" to vividly describe a situation where someone or something is in the lowest position, socially, economically, or competitively. For impact, contextualize what constitutes the 'heap' to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "bottom of the heap" without clearly establishing the context or the specific hierarchy being referenced. Ensure your audience understands what "heap" you're referring to. If the heap or context is not clear enough it can lead to ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottom of the heap" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as a modifier, often describing a person, group, or entity's position within a hierarchy or social structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bottom of the heap" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe a low or disadvantaged position, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but also appears in academic and scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to provide clear context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "lowest on the totem pole" or "in last place" for greater precision or formality. To effectively use this phrase, clarify what constitutes the "heap" to ensure your audience understands the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lowest on the totem pole

Emphasizes hierarchical structure, focusing on low status.

at the lowest level

Directly indicates a position at the base of a structure or organization.

in the most inferior position

Highlights inferiority and disadvantage.

at rock bottom

Implies a state of extreme difficulty or failure.

in last place

Focuses on a competitive ranking context.

at the tail end

Suggests being at the very end of a sequence or group.

on the fringes

Highlights marginalization and being outside the main group.

down and out

Emphasizes a state of poverty and misfortune.

underprivileged

Focuses on a lack of advantages and opportunities.

in the doldrums

Suggests a state of inactivity and stagnation.

FAQs

How can I use "bottom of the heap" in a sentence?

You can use "bottom of the heap" to describe someone or something in a low or disadvantaged position. For example: "After the merger, the junior employees felt like they were at the "bottom of the heap", with little influence or opportunity."

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

Some alternatives include "lowest on the totem pole", "at the lowest level", or "in last place", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "bottom of the heap" in formal writing?

While "bottom of the heap" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "least privileged" or "lowest ranking" for a more professional tone.

What does "bottom of the heap" imply about social or economic status?

"Bottom of the heap" typically implies a lack of power, resources, or opportunities compared to others in a given social or economic system. It suggests a position of disadvantage or marginalization.