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

The time of his winning ascent, 4.03, was slower than Van der Poel’s 3.58 in 2021. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Its ascent to the No.1 spot on this list reflects the tastes of travelers to the French capital, where gastronomy is often the focal point of visits. —Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025

This month's full moon peaks on July 10 at 1:37 p.m. PT, but the best part about this lunation is that skywatchers will be able to see its big and bright ascent into the night as early as July 8 and wane around July 14. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 5 July 2025

Former Missouri Tigers men’s basketball standout Phil Pressey continues his ascent in the coaching world. —Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 3 July 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