high water mark

USAGE SUMMARY

"high water mark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a peak, especially the maximum possible level of something achieved. For example: The company's profit was at its high water mark this year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Has Labor hit its high water mark?

The Guardian

This reached its high water mark in 2007.

Independent

It was the high water mark of the Labour left.

Independent

But "this is a high water mark," he said.

The Washington Post

This is the deranged, visionary, still-unrivalled high water mark of Timbaland's then-flourishing "exotic" phase.

The Guardian - Music

The high water mark on our garage doors is shoulder high on Marsha, my wife.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The extent of inundation and flooding was delineated by connecting high water marks from adjacent transects.

Nature

But that was its high-water mark.

The New Yorker

"We'd reached a high-water mark.

The New York Times - Arts

It was Team Anna's high-water mark.

The New York Times

December came, the high-water mark of the wholesaling year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high water mark" to denote a peak achievement or level in a particular context, such as financial performance, political support, or artistic success.

Common error

Avoid using "high water mark" literally when describing water levels unless it's in the specific context of historical flooding or tide measurements. In most cases, it's used metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high water mark" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It refers to the highest point or level achieved in a particular context, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high water mark" is a versatile phrase used to signify the peak or maximum level of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and commonly employed in news, business, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it metaphorically, avoiding literal interpretations related to water levels unless specifically relevant. Consider alternatives like "peak level" or "highest point" for clarity and context. Ludwig provides ample examples to guide appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak level

Replaces "high water mark" with a more direct term for the highest point.

highest point

Uses a more general term to indicate the maximum or most elevated state.

maximum achievement

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect of reaching a high point.

record high

Specifically refers to surpassing previous records.

culminating moment

Emphasizes the idea of a final, climactic point in time.

historical peak

Implies a significant high point in a historical context.

zenith

Replaces the phrase with a single word denoting the highest point or state.

upper limit

Highlights the boundary or maximum extent reached.

benchmark

Refers to a standard or point of reference achieved.

greatest extent

Focuses on the scale or scope of reaching a maximum.

FAQs

How can I use "high water mark" in a sentence?

The phrase "high water mark" is used to describe the highest level or peak of something. For instance, "The company's profits reached a "high water mark" this quarter."

What's another way to say "high water mark"?

Alternatives to "high water mark" include "peak level", "highest point", or "maximum achievement", depending on the context.

Is "high water mark" a formal or informal expression?

"High water mark" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal due to its metaphorical nature.

What does "high water mark" mean in a financial context?

In finance, "high water mark" often refers to the highest value that an investment fund has ever reached. It's used to calculate performance fees, ensuring managers are only paid for new profits above the previous "high water mark".