Phrasal verb
bottom out
Definition
phrasal verb. to reach the lowest level or the worst point of a situation. You use this when things stop getting worse and are about to get better.
phrasal verb. to reach the lowest point of a cyclical decline or a downward trend. The verb is intransitive and functions to indicate the end of a negative trajectory before a potential recovery.
Examples
“The price of gold seems to have bottomed out at last.”
“After months of declining sales, the company's performance finally bottomed out in December.”
“While some analysts argued that the currency had bottomed out, others warned of further volatility due to the unstable political climate.”
Examples
simple
“The price of gold seems to have bottomed out at last.”
contextual
“After months of declining sales, the company's performance finally bottomed out in December.”
complex
“While some analysts argued that the currency had bottomed out, others warned of further volatility due to the unstable political climate.”
Usage
Used mostly for economic trends, prices, or long-term situations rather than short-term events.
Teaching tip
Help students visualize a 'U' shape on a graph to understand that this phrase implies the end of a downward trend.
Pitfall
The market bottomed out the prices.
The market prices bottomed out.
This phrasal verb is intransitive and cannot be followed by a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
bottom + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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