Phrase guide

bottom of the barrel

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The lowest possible level of a person or thing in terms of character or quality; also, a person or thing at such a level.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, figuratively

Examples

  • He went from being at the bottom of the barrel to being an inch above the bottom of the barrel.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: unterste Schublade — Translations