bottom-feeder

noun

bot·​tom-feed·​er ˈbä-təm-ˌfē-dər How to pronounce bottom-feeder (audio)
1
: a fish that feeds at the bottom
2
: one that is of the lowest status or rank
3
: an opportunist who seeks quick profit usually at the expense of others or from their misfortune
bottom-feeding adjective

Examples of bottom-feeder in a Sentence

that bottom-feeder would run over his own mother if it would help him get ahead in his career
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This wasn’t the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz or other bottom-feeder team the New York Knicks have faced in recent weeks. James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025 He’s been a significant reason the Penguins have gone from a bottom-feeder going into Thanksgiving week to a postseason contender heading into the New Year. Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024 Stock way down Cody Ceci, Klim Kostin Going from a Stanley Cup finalist in Edmonton to a recent bottom-feeder with San Jose was going to do a number on Ceci’s metrics. Eric Stephens, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 Rachel reconnects with Sam, her fellow bottom-feeder, and completely bungles the conversation. Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 Baylor could be described as a longtime bottom-feeder on the rise when CU left the Big 12. Sarah Kelly, The Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2024 However, somehow out-tanking other bottom-feeders around the league will be the only way to get him in a Brooklyn uniform. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 28 June 2024 The remaining schedule includes two games against lowly Georgetown, including this Wednesday on the road, and another against Big East bottom-feeder DePaul. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2024 Useful tip: Many anglers think of catfish as bottom-feeders that prefer cut bait or stink bait. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bottom-feeder was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near bottom-feeder

Cite this Entry

“Bottom-feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bottom-feeder. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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