Hyphen In Compound Adjective With High Or Low

When using high or low as part of a compound adjective, a hyphen should be inserted between high – or low – and the word which it modifying. Some examples of compound adjectives using high and low are: high-level/low-level and high-impact/low-impact.

This also applies to comparatives and superlatives.

Remember that the use of hyphens should be limited. If you’re making a lot of comparisons, it may be in your best interest to re-phrase some sentences so you use the fewest hyphens possible.

Low-flying airplanes contribute to the noise pollution in the area.

This car runs best on high-octane gasoline.

Low-income families often face more stress than their higher-income counterparts.

A high-interest savings account is one of the best ways to save money.

While a high-stress job like firefighting can be detrimental to one’s health, sometimes the pay-off is worth it.

It is generally preferable to have a position as a higher-level executive than as a menial worker.