top-down

adjective

ˈtäp-ˈdau̇n 

1

: controlled, directed, or instituted from the top level

a top-down corporate structure

2

: proceeding by breaking large general aspects (as of a problem) into smaller more detailed constituents : working from the general to the specific

top-down programming

top-down design

Examples of top-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

China’s simplicity China, meanwhile, has been laser focused on its lunar exploration program since 2004, using its top-down, central planning system to keep resources flowing toward specific goals. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

The Chinese government is still involved in this ecosystem, including, sometimes, through top-down directives. — Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026

Continuing to prioritize top-down elections will only reproduce the same paralysis, corruption and insecurity that have brought Haiti to this point. — José Singer, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Campaigns made to pass through linear funnels, with top-down messaging and frequency to hit passive impressions, can often work against how this group engages with brands. — Ivan Kayser, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase from the top down

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for top-down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown