upward

1 of 2

adverb

up·​ward ˈəp-wərd 

variants or upwards

ˈəp-wərdz 

1

a

: in a direction from lower to higher

the kite rose upward

b(1)

: toward the source (as of a river)

(2)

: toward the interior (as of a region)

c

: in a higher position

held out his hand, palm upward

d

: in the upper parts : toward the head : above

from the waist upward

2

: toward a higher or better condition or level

young lawyers moving upward

3

a

: to an indefinitely greater amount, figure, or rank

from $5 upward

b

: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate

attendance figures have risen upward

4

: toward or into later years

from youth upward

upward

2 of 2

adjective

1

: directed toward or situated in a higher place or level : ascending

2

: rising to a higher pitch

upwardly adverb

upwardness noun

Examples of upward in a Sentence

Adverb

The road gradually rose upward.

She directed my gaze upward.

They are moving upward socially and economically.

moving upward in the corporate world

Adjective

an upward revision of the vote tally

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

While pay ranges depending on exact position, collective bargaining agreements across New York City hotels have secured upward of $40/hour for some positions, including room attendants. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025

His namesake company’s average retail price point is $500, and some runway pieces can be upward of $1,000. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025

Adjective

There have been other bumps in the road, but other than the odd trade dispute or some difference over intellectual property, this has been a relationship that has been moving on an upward trajectory. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025

When exfoliating, be gentle with your skin and use upward circles to avoid stretching and pulling at your skin. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing upward

• onward and upward
• upward mobility
• upward of
• upward spiral

Kids Definition

upward

1 of 2 adverb

up·​ward ˈəp-wərd 

variants or upwards

-wərdz 

1

: in a direction from lower to higher

the land rises upward

2

: toward a higher or better condition

worked my way upward in the business

3

: toward a greater amount or higher number, degree, or rate

prices shot upward

upward

2 of 2 adjective

: directed toward or located in a higher place or level : ascending

upwardly adverb