nadir

USAGE SUMMARY

“nadir” is a correct and usable word in written English.
The word "nadir" means the lowest point or level, so you can use it when referring to a situation or point in time that is the least favorable, successful, or desirable. For example: After years of success, the company reached its nadir when it filed for bankruptcy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relations reached their nadir when a reporter revealed the arrangements for his wedding last week to Anastasia Shirley, a make-up artist whom he met on the set of Cracker.

The Guardian - Film

It's Frank Underwood from House of Cards in song form Hopefully, though, this is a nadir.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Not only that but over the last 15 years the awards show has moved away from the more diverse nominations of the early 00s, with the trend heading back towards levels of whiteness not seen since the diversity nadir of the mid-70s.

The Guardian

The nadir was George Osborne's disastrous budget, which unravelled over many excruciating weeks for the government.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Home Office has defended its decision to end British support for search-and-rescue operations for migrants in danger of drowning in the Mediterranean, after criticism that it marked an ethical nadir for Britain.

The Guardian

Jackson Irvine gave the visitors the lead with an 11th-minute header before Nadir Ciftci's penalty nine minutes later restored parity.

The Guardian - Sport

In August Nadir was convicted on 10 "specimen counts" of theft relating to £29m stolen in the late 1980s from the then FTSE 100 company he ran.

The Guardian - Business

However such powers do not apply in the case of Nadir as the relevant legislation became active only in 1995 – five years after Polly Peck failed.

The Guardian - Business

This was a month before Nadir fled Britain.

The Guardian - Business

This article replaces a previous version which wrongly stated that the SFO had "decided against" pursuing the Conservative party for return of funds allegedly stolen from the Polly Peck group by Asil Nadir.

The Guardian - Business

Surrounded by private security guards and accompanied by his 26-year old wife, Noor, Nadir touched down at Luton airport before sweeping into his new Mayfair base in London from where he promised to clear his name at the Old Bailey next month.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nadir" to describe the lowest point in a situation, whether literal or figurative. It adds a sense of gravity and finality to the description. For example, "The relationship reached its nadir when they stopped communicating entirely."

Common error

Avoid mistaking "nadir" for words like "nether" or "neighbor". "Nadir" specifically refers to the lowest point, while the others have different meanings. Always double-check your spelling and context to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "nadir" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the lowest point in a situation, either literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a time of greatest depression or the point directly opposite the zenith.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nadir" refers to the lowest point of something, be it a relationship, a company's performance, or even ethical standards. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, but its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media. When writing, use "nadir" to highlight the depth of a negative situation, but avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words. Alternatives include "lowest point" and "rock bottom". Remember, "nadir" signifies the absolute bottom, distinct from merely a "low point". Therefore, as Ludwig shows, use it judiciously to convey the utmost depth of decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lowest point

Directly equates to the fundamental meaning of "nadir" as the absolute lowest position.

rock bottom

Emphasizes the idea of reaching the worst possible state, similar to "nadir".

depths of despair

Focuses on the emotional or psychological low point, akin to a metaphorical "nadir".

all-time low

Highlights a low point in a measurable or recordable context, parallel to "nadir".

the pits

Colloquial expression for a very bad or unpleasant situation, analogous to reaching a "nadir".

a low ebb

Indicates a state of decline or weakness, like experiencing a "nadir".

the trough

Uses a visual metaphor to describe a low point, similar to "nadir".

the bottom of the barrel

Suggests using the last or worst resources available, implying a "nadir".

a slump

Refers to a sudden or marked decline, resembling a "nadir" in performance or condition.

the lowest level

A more literal expression of reaching the minimum, similar to the definition of "nadir".

FAQs

How to use "nadir" in a sentence?

You can use "nadir" to describe the lowest point of a situation, for example: "The company's profits reached their "nadir" during the recession".

What can I say instead of "nadir"?

You can use alternatives like "lowest point", "rock bottom", or "all-time low" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "nadir" or "zenith" when describing a low point?

"Nadir" is used to describe the lowest point, while "zenith" describes the highest point. Therefore, use ""nadir"" when referring to a low point and "zenith" when referring to a high point.

What's the difference between "nadir" and "low point"?

"Nadir" is a more formal and specific term for the absolute lowest point. "Low point" is a more general term that can refer to any point that is lower than usual, but not necessarily the absolute lowest.