absolute ceiling

noun

: the maximum height above sea level at which a particular airplane can maintain horizontal flight under standard air conditions

called also ceiling

Examples of absolute ceiling in a Sentence

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.
The Bulls keep making the play-in tournament because that is the absolute ceiling of the roster assembled in 2021 — and Karnišovas refuses to do anything besides let his players compete to their ceiling. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 But the reality for the Sixers is that their absolute ceiling is getting the 10th spot, winning a pair of Play-In games on the road and garnering the eight seed, then setting a date with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. Tony Jones, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 What is his absolute ceiling? Tony Blengino, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 With so many pitchers producing at such velocity, what is the absolute ceiling for pitching speed? Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2023 But hanging with Desert Vista required the Tigers to play at their absolute ceiling. Theo MacKie, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2023 One of the plaintiffs’ lead lawyers, Harley Tropin, said the $100 million was the absolute ceiling for attorney fees and that the group was satisfied with whatever was awarded. Curt Anderson, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2022 Nixon looked capable, but what’s his absolute ceiling this season? Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2022 Luckey goes on to estimate that current VR technology could attract an absolute ceiling of 50 million active users worldwide—and that number only with significant industry effort. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 1 Nov. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolute ceiling was in 1918

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Cite this Entry

“Absolute ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolute%20ceiling. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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