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 rapid ascent of AI has been likened to everything from the rise of the internet to the industrial revolution, but, to Buchanan, the potential of her platform feels closer to Instagram, a tech tool that offers everyone a chance to create. —Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

The track manages an even greater ascent on the Official Streaming roster, pushing from No. 89 to No. 58. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

The ascent from amateur tequila-drinker status takes time and perseverance. —Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025

Zavala was initially drafted to be a future starter, and through his first two seasons, uneven play and injuries have stalled his ascent. —Mike Kaye august 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 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