To reach the lowest or worst point of something, especially before improving.
When something gets as bad or as low as it can possibly get, it has bottomed out.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To reach the lowest point of a declining trend (especially in economics or finance) before stabilizing or recovering.
"Analysts believe that house prices have finally bottomed out and will start rising again next year."
The market may have bottomed out, but a full recovery could still be years away.
— The Financial Times, 2009
To reach the worst point of a difficult personal situation, such as addiction or depression, before beginning to recover.
"He felt that he had truly bottomed out when he lost his job, his home, and his family in the same month."
For a vehicle to scrape the underside of its chassis on the ground due to a dip or uneven surface.
"The old car bottomed out as it went over the speed bump too fast."
To touch or reach the bottom and then come out (on the other side).
When something gets as bad or as low as it can possibly get, it has bottomed out.
Commonly used in economic and financial contexts (e.g. prices, markets), but also used for personal struggles or any declining trend. It often carries an implicit sense of hope — that things may improve after the low point.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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