nadir
UK: ˈneɪ.dɪər | US: ˈneɪ.dɪr
n. 1. The lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization.
n. 2. (Astronomy) The point on the celestial sphere directly below an observer, opposite the zenith.
The word "nadir" originates from medieval Latin nadir, borrowed from Arabic naẓīr as-samt, meaning "opposite of the zenith." The Arabic term naẓīr (opposite) combined with as-samt (the path/way) referred to the astronomical concept of the point directly beneath an observer. Over time, it evolved into English, retaining its dual meaning in both astronomy and metaphorical contexts (lowest point).
After losing his job and home, he felt he had reached the nadir of his life.
In astronomy, the nadir is directly beneath the observer's feet.
The team's performance hit its nadir during the championship, losing by a record margin.
The novel explores the protagonist's emotional nadir before her eventual redemption.
Scientists measured the star's position relative to the nadir for precise celestial mapping.