NADIR is the lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation, or in astronomy, the point on the celestial sphere directly below an observer, opposite the zenith.
Yes. NADIR is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 6 points in Scrabble, 7 in Words With Friends and 6 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.
| Letter | N | A | D | I | R | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabble | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Words With Friends | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| Wordfeud | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
NADIR represents the absolute lowest point—whether in physical space, emotional experience, or metaphorical journey. This evocative word captures the essence of rock bottom, the darkest hour before dawn, the deepest valley in life's landscape. From its astronomical origins to its powerful metaphorical usage, nadir has become indispensable for describing life's most challenging moments and the turning points that follow them.
In astronomy, nadir has a precise technical definition: the point on the celestial sphere directly beneath an observer, exactly opposite the zenith. If you imagine a line running from the zenith (directly overhead) through your body and the Earth's center, it would emerge at the nadir. This invisible point beneath your feet represents the lowest possible position in your personal celestial sphere—a powerful spatial metaphor that translates perfectly to figurative usage.
The metaphorical meaning of nadir—the lowest point of anything—has become far more common than its astronomical usage. We speak of the nadir of someone's career, the nadir of a civilization, or the nadir of human rights. This usage captures not just a low point, but the absolute bottom, the furthest possible distance from success or happiness. Unlike simple words like "low" or "bottom," nadir carries emotional weight and dramatic emphasis.
The word "nadir" traces a fascinating path through medieval Islamic astronomy into modern English, carrying with it centuries of scientific and cultural exchange. From Arabic "naẓīr" (نظير), meaning "opposite" or "corresponding," the word originally appeared in the phrase "naẓīr as-samt" (نظير السمت), literally "opposite of the zenith."
Anagrams: DINARDRAINRANID
Hooks: no front hooks; back NADIRS.
Words inside NADIR: 32 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: DINARDRAINRANIDARIDDARNNARDRAIDRANDRINDAIDAIRNAND. See all words from NADIR.