ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

a

: the act of rising or mounting upward : climb

completed their ascent of the mountain

b

: an upward slope or rising grade : acclivity

followed the steep ascent to the top of the hill

c

: the degree of elevation : inclination, gradient

2

: an advance in social status or reputation : progress

their ascent from the lower class to the middle class

3

: a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession

Synonyms

• climb
• ascension

Examples of ascent in a Sentence

They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.

our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them

Recent Examples on the Web

From his origins in Hampton, VA, to his ascent as one of the most tenacious and exhilarating basketball players of all time, Iverson fearlessly embraced his individuality both on and off the court. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025

Once a rising star in Missouri Democratic politics, his ascent was cut short after a 2009 conviction for obstruction of justice tied to his 2004 congressional campaign. —Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025

With Stalin’s ascent to power in 1928, scientific research had its autonomy eliminated and was subjected to demands for ideological conformity. —Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

From this platform, a hundred and fifty feet in the air, several towers began their ascent. —D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ascent

• accent
• advent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids Definition

ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

: the act of rising or climbing up

began their ascent of the mountain

2

: an upward slope