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 of ascent

• 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 red metal is a critical part of industry and construction, and its ascent to record highs could send higher prices rippling through to businesses. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Word of the young forward’s ascent to that elite bracket was quietly delivered by his then Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier in a 2001 telephone call, but Owen, only 22 at the time, remembers it as carrying little significance. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Most people experience acute mountain sickness within 24 hours of ascent, developing symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea or problems with sleep. — Elaine Reno, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

Stock futures were trading nearly flat early Wednesday after a losing day as oil prices continue their ascent. — Justina Lee,alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026

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