Pinnacle: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe the highest point of success, power, or fame, especially in someone's career. It can also refer to the topmost point of a structure or natural formation.

• Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
• The climbers reached the pinnacle of the mountain just before sunrise.

Primarily used to describe the highest point of a hill or mountain. It is also popular in the context of meetings or conferences at the highest level, especially between world leaders.

• They reached the summit of the mountain after several days of climbing.
• The leaders will meet at the economic summit next week.

Commonly used to describe the highest point of a mountain or hill. It also signifies the highest level of someone's abilities or achievements, and can refer to the highest point in various contexts, like prices or performance.

• Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.
• She was at the peak of her career when she decided to retire.

Used to describe the top of a wave, a hill, or a mountain. It can also refer to the highest point reached in a particular situation or condition.

• Surfers love to ride the crest of the waves.
• They finally reached the crest of the hill after a long hike.

Used to describe the highest point or the most successful point in a person's career, a mountain, or an achievement.

• She reached the pinnacle of her career when she became CEO.
• The climbers finally arrived at the mountain's pinnacle.

Typically used to describe the highest point or top of something, such as an object or a period of time. It can also describe the peak of someone's skills or abilities.

• The apex of the tree is where the eagles nest.
• His skill as a pianist reached its apex in his thirties.

Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe the peak of power, success, or prosperity. It can also describe a point in the sky directly above an observer.

• The empire reached its zenith during the reign of the great king.
• As the sun reached its zenith, the heat became unbearable.

Often used in a more formal or literary context to indicate the highest point of excellence or achievement.

• The novel is considered the acme of his literary career.
• In its heyday, the company was the acme of the tech industry.