ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent How to pronounce ascent (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump’s pick for IRS If Long is confirmed, his elevation to IRS commissioner would mark a rapid ascent for a former congressman who had appeared potentially done with politics. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025 Expect to get your burn on early, with the heart-pumping Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 switchbacks that drop you at Scout Overlook, where the Angels Landing ascent begins. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025 But for Norman Wong, who has watched from afar as the Trump administration has tried to chip away at the right his great-grandfather helped enshrine, the case's ascent to the Supreme Court is a troubling sign of how the courts may not balance potential overreaches by Trump. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 May 2025 Its ascent in 1991 to DOCa status—Denominación de Origen Calificada, Spain’s highest designation—further solidified Rioja’s place on the world stage. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascent

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascent was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ascent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascent. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ascent

noun
as·​cent ə-ˈsent How to pronounce ascent (audio)
a-
1
: the act of rising or climbing up
began their ascent of the mountain
2
: an upward slope

More from Merriam-Webster on ascent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!