bottomed out

USAGE SUMMARY

"bottomed out" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where something has reached its lowest point and is unlikely to decrease further. Example: "After months of decline, the stock market finally bottomed out." Alternative expressions include "reached a low point" and "hit rock bottom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It bottomed out in March at $16.875.

The New York Times

In 1981, Mr. Jones bottomed out.

The New York Times

His quarterback rating bottomed out at 20.5.

The New York Times - Sports

Unless they haven't bottomed out yet.

The Guardian - Sport

But after the Colts bottomed out, Indianapolis's fortunes changed dramatically.

The New York Times

People feel the market has pretty much bottomed out".

The New York Times

Departures from the executive branch bottomed out in 2009.

The Washington Post

Today's print suggest industrial activity has not bottomed out yet.

The Guardian - Business

He had bottomed out in a hospital some months earlier.

The New York Times

Central Islip just 15 years ago had bottomed out economically.

The New York Times

"The relationship may have bottomed out". That proved optimistic.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bottomed out" when you want to indicate that a decline has stopped and there is potential for improvement. For example, "After a long recession, the economy finally bottomed out."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "bottomed out" automatically means immediate recovery. It only signifies the end of a decline, not the beginning of a rapid ascent. Further positive signals are needed to confirm an upward trend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottomed out" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the completion of a downward trend. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts. The examples show its usage in describing markets, personal situations, and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Bottomed out" is a phrasal verb indicating the end of a decline, suggesting a potential for recovery. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, and frequently used in Academia and Science. While generally neutral, the formality shifts depending on the context. Related phrases include "hit rock bottom" and "reached its nadir". A crucial writing tip is to avoid equating "bottomed out" with immediate recovery. In essence, it's a versatile phrase signaling the cessation of decline across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit rock bottom

This phrase suggests reaching the lowest possible point in a negative situation, often implying emotional or personal crisis. It is more emphatic than "bottomed out".

reached its nadir

This phrase is a more formal way of saying "bottomed out", indicating the lowest point in a cycle or trend.

touched bottom

A more literal and less common way of saying something has reached its lowest point, often in a financial or economic context.

plumbed the depths

Implies a thorough and often unpleasant exploration of the lowest possible levels of something.

reached the lowest point

A straightforward and neutral way of describing the act of reaching the bottom of something.

hit a low

A simple and general way to indicate that something has reached an undesirable level.

declined to the minimum

Focuses on the action of declining and the resulting minimum level achieved.

reached a trough

Uses the metaphor of a trough to describe the lowest point in a cycle or trend.

degenerated to its worst

Emphasizes the negative aspect of reaching the lowest point, suggesting a state of decay or decline.

flatlined

Suggests a state where there is no further decrease.

FAQs

What does "bottomed out" mean in financial contexts?

In finance, "bottomed out" signifies that a stock, market, or economic indicator has reached its lowest point and is expected to either stabilize or begin to rise. It doesn't guarantee an immediate recovery, but suggests the decline has stopped.

Can "bottomed out" be used in personal contexts?

Yes, "bottomed out" can describe a personal situation where someone has reached their lowest point emotionally, physically, or mentally. It implies a turning point where recovery is possible. For example, someone might say they "hit rock bottom" and are now working to improve their life.

What are some synonyms for "bottomed out" in business writing?

In formal business writing, alternatives to "bottomed out" include "reached its nadir", "reached the lowest point", or "touched bottom". These options offer a more professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it correct to say something has "bottomed out" even if it continues to decline?

No, if something continues to decline, it hasn't "bottomed out". The phrase indicates that the decline has stopped. If the decline resumes, it means the initial assessment was incorrect, or the situation has changed.