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nadir

noun

/ˈneɪdɪə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of nadir

The lowest point or the bottom of something, whether it's a physical location, an emotional state, or a situation.
"After losing his job and his home, he felt like he had reached the nadir of his life."

Detailed meaning of nadir

It is the opposite of the zenith, which refers to the highest point. The term is often used metaphorically to describe the lowest point of someone's life, career, or fortune. For example, a person who has hit rock bottom financially or emotionally may be said to have reached their nadir. In astronomy, the nadir refers to the point directly below the observer's position, which is often used in navigation to determine the position of stars and planets. Overall, the nadir is a term used to describe the lowest point or depth of something.

Example sentences containing nadir

1. The stock market hit its nadir during the recession of 2008.
2. The team's morale was at its nadir after losing several games in a row.
3. The river had reached its nadir and was now starting to rise again after the drought.
4. Her health had reached its nadir after months of chemotherapy.
5. The movie's quality was at its nadir during the final scene.
6. The politician's popularity had hit its nadir after the scandal.

History and etymology of nadir

The noun 'nadir,' denoting the lowest point or the bottom of something, has an intriguing etymology that originates from Arabic. It is derived from the Arabic term 'nāzir,' which means 'opposite' or 'contrary.' In the context of astronomy, 'nadir' originally referred to the point in the celestial sphere that is directly opposite to the zenith, which is the highest point in the sky directly above an observer. Over time, this astronomical concept was adapted metaphorically, and 'nadir' came to symbolize the lowest point in various contexts, such as a physical location, an emotional state, or a situation. It captures the idea of being diametrically opposite to the zenith, representing the extreme point of decline or adversity, both in the heavens and in life's experiences.

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Further usage examples of nadir

1. The company's profits had reached a nadir due to the pandemic.
2. The athlete's performance had hit its nadir during the competition.
3. The country's economy was at its nadir during the Great Depression.
4. The rock band's popularity had hit its nadir after their last album.
5. The patient's depression had reached its nadir and required immediate intervention.
6. After the devastating loss, the team's morale plummeted to its nadir.
7. His once-promising career reached its nadir with that ill-fated decision.
8. The stock market's value hit its nadir during the economic crisis.
9. The relationship's nadir was marked by their bitter, tearful breakup.
10. The dark cave led to the nadir of a hidden underground world.
11. The singer's voice hit its nadir during that off-key performance.
12. The project faced its nadir when they missed the critical deadline.
13. The explorer reached the nadir of physical exhaustion on the treacherous journey.
14. The nation endured the nadir of political instability and unrest.
15. The artist's creativity touched its nadir before a resurgence of inspiration.
16. The company's profits plunged to their nadir in the midst of the recession.
17. The patient's health declined to a nadir, raising concerns among doctors.
18. The mountain's nadir offered a breathtaking view of the valley below.
19. The film's quality deteriorated to its nadir in the poorly received final act.
20. The team's communication hit a nadir during the crisis, causing confusion.
21. The orchestra's performance dipped to its nadir that fateful night.
22. The nadir of her depression was a challenging period in her life.
23. The project's complexity reached its nadir in the tumultuous final stages.
24. The ocean's nadir remains a mysterious and uncharted realm.
25. The politician's approval ratings plummeted to a nadir after the damaging scandal.