The phrase "all time low" refers to the lowest point that something has ever reached in history. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ɔːl taɪm ləʊ/. The first syllable, "all", is pronounced with an open-mid back rounded vowel /ɔː/. The second syllable, "time", is pronounced with a diphthong /taɪm/. Finally, the last syllable, "low", is pronounced with a low back unrounded vowel /ləʊ/. All together, the word is pronounced as "awl tyme loh".
"All time low" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a point or level that marks the absolute lowest in a particular context or aspect. It refers to the bottommost position or state that something or someone has ever reached or experienced throughout its entire history or existence.
In a literal sense, "all time low" can refer to the lowest physical position or depth reached by a specific measurement, such as the lowest point an ocean has ever been measured, or the lowest stock price recorded for a company. However, its more common usage is within a figurative context, describing a negative or unfavorable event, circumstance, or emotional state that represents the worst outcome or condition ever encountered.
This expression is frequently used in various domains, such as sports, business, finance, and personal experiences, to highlight the exceptionally poor nature of a situation. For instance, in the stock market, if a company's shares hit an "all time low," it indicates that the stock value has reached the lowest point it has ever been since the company went public. Similarly, in personal relationships, someone might say they have hit an "all time low" when they are feeling profoundly sad, hopeless, or emotionally drained.
In summary, "all time low" refers to the lowest possible point or state in a given context or aspect, implying that it represents the worst situation or condition experienced or recorded throughout history or existence.