# trough

/ˈtɹɔf/ (US) · /tɹˈɒf/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trough
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a long, narrow container for animals to eat or drink from. In business, it also describes the lowest point in a cycle, like when prices or sales are at their worst.

For teachers: a long, shallow open container for animal feed or water; by extension, the lowest point of a fluctuating cycle in economics or meteorology.

## Examples

- The farmer filled the trough with fresh water for the pigs.
- Economists noted that the market reached its trough in mid-winter before beginning a slow recovery in the spring.
- While the peak of the cycle brought record profits, the subsequent trough forced the company to liquidate several non-core assets to maintain liquidity during the downturn.

## Usage notes

- Often used metaphorically in economics to describe the bottom of a business cycle, contrasted with 'peak'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.