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

Subjecting them to extreme conditions–from the 14,000-foot ascent of Pikes Peak to the barren deserts of the Rebelle Rally. —Joel Feder, The Drive, 27 Feb. 2026

The location right in the heart of the Qianhai financial district, which captures the city’s overall ascent from a humble fishing village to a thriving business and technological hub. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

Pic follows two young international soccer prospects whose ascent through Spain’s Primera División forces them down sharply different paths as fame, loyalty, and ambition collide. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026

Sasha's most recent feat was the first female ascent of the Platinum Route on Yosemite's famed 3000 foot wall, El Capitan. —Outside Online, 25 Feb. 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