どん底
Meanings
1
rock bottom; the very bottom
Used both literally for the lowest physical point and figuratively for the worst state in life, mood, or economy.
After losing my job, my spirits hit rock bottom.
The economy is gradually recovering from rock bottom.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉のどん底the depths of (despair, poverty, etc.)
He was in the depths of despair.
- どん底に落ちるto fall to rock bottom
The company went bankrupt, and our life fell to rock bottom.
- どん底から這い上がるto climb up from rock bottom
He climbed up from rock bottom and achieved success.
- どん底の生活a life at rock bottom
After the war, many people experienced life at rock bottom.