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

Now in MotoGP, his ascent represents the fulfillment of a dream for his whole family. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025

Enthusiasm about artificial intelligence had stoked bubble concerns but also contributed to the market’s ascent. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025

This low-volatility ascent since April quite resembles the imperturbable rally through all of 2017. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025

The simpler residential structures sit at lower elevations and, following a steep ascent, the most elaborate structures sit on the hilltop. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 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